Czech Republic Castles
Golfing, Tip - General Travel, Tip - What to See & Do, Castle
Prague Castle, Europe’s largest, is a looming presence in the heart of the Czech capital. The word “castle,” however, is a little misleading. This is a rambling complex big enough to incorporate its own cathedral (the beautiful St. Vitus) which started out in the Gothic style but took so long to build it ended up as Neo-Gothic. Enjoy peerless views of the city as you make your way round the Old Royal Palace, Picture Gallery and St. George Convent. But it wasn’t all kings and knights around here: you’ll also encounter the charming multicolored cottages of Golden Lane, one of which housed novelist Franz Kafka.
Among the most picturesque remnants of royal Bohemia is Karlstejn Castle, about a 30 minute train ride from central Prague. This 14th century jewel dominates the surrounding countryside from its stunning hilltop location. Once inside, marvel at the extensive wall frescoes in the castle’s lavishly gilded chapel.
Also readily accessible from Prague is Konopiště Chateau. While the exterior is of a similar vintage to Karlstejn, waiting inside like a perfect pearl is a later Renaissance palace. You’ll also find hunting trophies and serene gardens left behind by Konopiště’s most famous resident: Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne whose assassination triggered World War I. Konopiště Chateau is a manageable walk or short bus ride from the station at Benešov, which can be reached in an hour by train from Prague.
Some of Bohemia’s most ravishing forest landscapes whiz past the window on your way to Český Krumlov, a picturesque medieval town near the Austrian border 110 miles (180 kilometers) south of Prague. The castle here enjoys a phenomenal location high above a river loop, its romantic towers visible from miles around. Like Konopiště, the castle in this UNESCO World Heritage site started as a Gothic fortress and was augmented by later rulers. A series of courtyards give access to Renaissance Rooms, a Baroque palace and a gorgeous Rococo theatre.
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We loved this village from old times. Well worth the drive and our guide was good too
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Our guide was very knowledgeable, informative and interesting. She was very attentive, careful and organised, so we felt very well looked after. She answered our questions with the most surprising and satisfying level of detail. I learned far more than I expected to. It was a fantastic day.
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Even with large weekend crowds, moving about the Prague Castle was a breeze, the guide knew all the tiny details of the complex, showed us a lot of hidden treasures, and was able to keep up with Cathedral queue, Guard-Change sched, lunch-break craziness, and Gold line crowds.
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