Monuments to visit Czech Republic

Troja Castle is a Baroque-style summer residence on the banks of the Vltava River in Prague's northwest suburbs. Built for the Counts Sternberg, the palace is surrounded by formal gardens featuring an orangery, a labyrinth, numerous fountains and statues. Architect Jean-Baptiste Mathey drew his inspiration from opulent Roman villas. The interior features magnificent salons, sculpted staircases and period paintings.

The Clementinum is the largest architectural complex in Prague after the castle. Few of its sites are open to the public, but it can be crossed from one end to the other and reach the Charles Bridge. Founded in 1556 by the Jesuits who established their college there, it was built on the site of thirty houses, three churches, ten courtyards and several gardens.

The National Library of the Czech Republic (Národní knihovna České republiky). In 1800, Charles University recovered the whole and installed its library there. Today, the three million volumes constitute the National Library's collection. Some of them, such as the Codex Vysehrad (1085), are of inestimable value.

The astronomical tower (open from Monday to Friday, from noon to 7pm, and on weekends from 10am to 7pm). The ascent allows you to enjoy the panorama, discover 18th century astronomical instruments and explore part of the Baroque National Library.

The Church of St. Savior (Sv. Salvátora). Among the three churches in the complex, Saint-Sauveur is the one closest to the Charles Bridge. Its façade, decorated by Jan Jiří Bendl, one of the most prestigious Czech Baroque sculptors, welcomes visitors from Malá Strana.

The Mirror Chapel (Zrcadlova Kaple). Finally, during concerts, you can visit the Chapelle aux Miroirs, built in 1724 and decorated with many mirrors.

This baroque palace was built on the site of two Gothic houses. Its current appearance dates back to 1700, when the Kaiserstein family took possession of it. You can see his coat of arms above the first floor window. The palace prides itself on having housed two famous sopranos within its walls: Marie Petzold, Libuše's performer in Smetana's opera, and Ema Destinnová, Caruso's partner, whose bust adorns the façade.

The theatre on one side and the Slavia café on the other end Narodni Street at the Vltava River and the Legion Bridge. The first, a huge neo-Renaissance vessel, is a manifesto of Czech nationalism at the end of the 20th century (built from 1863 to 1881). Josef Zítek, a professor at the technical college and architect, is in charge of the project. Built thanks to a popular subscription, it had a dramatic start as it was partially destroyed by fire only nine days after the inauguration. Fortunately, we were able to rebuild it on the same subscription! Like that of the Municipal House, the interior decoration of the national theatre was designed by all the great names of the time: Tulka, Aleš and Hynažs, decorator of the stage curtain. Thanks to its modernity and quality equipment, the theatre remained intact for nearly a hundred years, until 1977. It then closed its doors until 1983 for renovation work on the building and its immediate surroundings, including the Legion Bridge (most Légií), which extends Národní, built to facilitate access to the National Theatre. The centenary was celebrated on 18 November 1983 with a performance of Libuše de Smetana. Opened in 1884, the large Slavia café just opposite has become since the opening of the theatre the great meeting place for Prague's intellectuals, and has preserved a sublime Art Deco interior architecture and large bay windows overlooking the Vltava and the castle.

Špilberk Hill, which rises to the west of the city centre, dominates the city without overwhelming it. Many visitors start by climbing the hill to get a bird's eye view of Brno before exploring the city. Although the slopes of Špilberk are now forested, they were once left bare to facilitate the defence of the fortress built on top. The first Gothic castle (enveloping type) dates from the 13th century. In the 15th century, the Luxembourg family ruled over the whole of Moravia from here. But there are few traces of this fortified residence. It was completely remodelled in the 18th and 19th centuries. Over the centuries, the site was attacked, without success, by the Hussites, the huge Swedish army (in 1645) and the Prussians. In 1805, Napoleon took possession of it without fighting, a few days before the Battle of Austerlitz. In 1809, Špilberk was taken again and its outer defence system dismantled. The fortress was later used as a prison and it is to this sad function that Špilberk still owes its reputation today. It was first used as a detention centre by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It became the most famous prison of the empire and a symbol of the struggle of the various nations of the empire for independence. One of the most illustrious guests was the Italian poet Silvio Pellico, who wrote his collection of pamphlets De mes prisons.

One of Prague's finest rococo buildings, located on Old Town Square. The palace was designed by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer and built by Anselmo Lurago. Reconstruction work is underway until 2024, and the National Gallery's collections have been moved to other buildings. Enter, however, on the first floor, where you'll find the Franz Kafka bookshop, on the almost identical site where his father ran his store.

The Count Šternberg Palace (Šternberský palác), accessible via an alley slightly set back from the castle square, is a magnificent Baroque building (1698-1720), with facades overlooking the courtyard, decorated with stucco. The building, built by an Italian architect, houses one of the six exhibitions in the rich collection of the National Gallery of Prague dedicated to art from the 16th to the 18th century. It gathers a very large collection of paintings by the great European masters in which the Italian and Flemish schools are particularly well represented.

Ground floor. It is entirely devoted to Austrian and German art, the collection exhibits works by Lucas Cranach, Hans Holbein, Hans Grien, Hans Grien, and Albrecht Dürer, whose famous Virgin of the Feast of the Rosary acquired in 1606 by Emperor Rudolf II. Linger in this part of the collection, which is very representative of schools that are not well known or present in French museums.

^1st floor. Passing through rooms dedicated to ancient art, it is mainly lovers of Italian painting who will love this part of the exhibition. Art on the other side of the Alps is represented by Bartolomeo Veneto, Agnolo Bronzino and his famous portrait of Eleanor of Toledo, as well as Lorenzo Monaco. The exhibition focuses mainly on the early Italian period from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

^2nd floor. You can find here the greats of French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish art between the 17th and 18th centuries: Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt and Hals on one side, Jusepe de Ribera and Goya on the other. One of the most remarkable pieces: the very expressive Face of Christ by El Greco. The German and Italian Renaissance are particularly well represented there with paintings acquired, very often, by the rulers themselves during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and admirably preserved. Don't miss to admire the room where some Rubens are exhibited, including the Martyrdom of Saint-Thomas and Saint-Augustin.

While browsing through this immense page of culture, also take the time to detail the beautiful decorations, Hungarian stitch floors and mouldings on the walls and ceilings of the various rooms of the palace, which alone would already be worth a visit. This building is one of the most representative of Bohemian Baroque, and one of the most impressive achievements.

The Carolinum is located on Ovocny Trh (Fruit Market Square), which runs from the end of Celetná Street, at the level of the Black Madonna's House, to this prestigious institution. The Carolinum was and still is the seat of Charles University, the oldest still functioning university in Central Europe. Founded by Charles IV on April 7, 1348, it was his son, Wenceslas IV, who, in 1383, was finally able to acquire one of the city's palaces, which he renamed after his father, to build the university. It had four faculties: theology, law, medicine and art. At first, the university was reserved for men, and the first girl was admitted only in 1897. Today, it is the administrative headquarters of the university and some of the lecture halls are still filled with students, although the magnificent halls are used more for honorary ceremonies. The building was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 18th century, but the vaulted ceiling of the corridor, which can be seen through the windows from the outside, and the remains of the chapel on the corner, bear witness to the original Gothic architecture. Graduations are held regularly in the ceremonial hall; if you see a lot of well-dressed people coming in, don't hesitate to follow them: you'll witness an event during which old costumes, speeches, and seriousness fill the old Gothic hall. It doesn't last long and you'll have unforgettable memories. The cloister occasionally hosts exhibitions.

This is the city's former mint, built at the end of the ^13th century during the glorious mining era, under the aegis of Wenceslas. Transformed into a royal palace in the early ^15th century, it now houses the town hall and a small numismatic museum. In the town hall section, you should visit the beautiful wedding hall, as well as the Gothic chapel, refurbished at the end of the ^19th century with original statues from the Middle Ages.

Its domed roof was built in the 14th century and is one of the last remnants of the city walls of that time. The Rabenstein Tower marked the location of one of the gates leading to the city center and was one of the elements of the western fortifications of the city. You can also climb the tower to visit the upper floors, which have been transformed into a small museum about the city. A prison cell has been reconstructed inside, as the tower was used to lock up petty criminals.

This massive square tower dominated by a gallery with a slate roof stands right next to the Saint-Nicolas cathedral. It was built between 1550 and 1577 for an essentially prestigious purpose. It was not intended for the defense of the city but rather as a landmark, thanks to its 72 m height, even if it could occasionally serve as a watchtower. Nowadays one climbs its 225 steps to enjoy a sumptuous panorama of the city and its surroundings.

The charming Telč Castle was the residence of the Dehradec lords (who acquired the site as early as 1339). Zachariáš of Hradec started the major renovation of the castle in the 16th century. For this remodeling, he called upon Italian master builders, who were recruited during his numerous trips to the countries of the arts. From the Gothic castle, the architects Antonio Vlach Baldassare Maggi preserved the structure, before creating the superb Renaissance residence that we contemplate today. The first thing you see is a beautiful central courtyard, lined with arcades, around which the various buildings are arranged. Notice the statues of Adam and Eve. Inside, there are many rooms, but you should especially admire the golden room and its wooden coffered ceiling decorated with numerous sculptures, the theater room decorated with mythological frescoes, the marble room or knights' room which houses an interesting collection of weapons (note the mineral marquetry on the floor and the richly decorated ceiling), the treasure room which is astonishing with its elaborate sgraffiti or the African room for a bit of exoticism with its safari trophies, which are nevertheless a bit macabre. The visit of the castle's cellars and catacombs will also delight children.

To the east of the castle , don't forget to visit the gardens, so quiet, surrounded by arcades. The park, on the opposite side, is home to a beautiful greenhouse. Around the castle are other gardens with ponds, ponds, tall trees and flowers. It is the local romantic stroll on summer evenings.

This beautiful baroque palace, dating from the late 18th century, belonged to Charles of Liechtenstein, notorious for persecuting the opponents of the Habsburgs. The building houses the European Centre for Music Culture, including a music conservatory and a library. You will admire the sublime scenery if you have the chance to attend one of the concerts given there. The Liechtenstein family owned a second palace in Prague, which is located on the island of Kampa.

It is a primitive Baroque style building, built from 1689 to 1691 according to the plans of the French architect Jean-Baptiste Mathey. Above the portal you will notice the coat of arms of the Dukes of Tuscany to whom the palace belonged. The five statues in the attic representing the gods of antiquity are the work of Brokof. The adjoining house, at No. 8, was the residence of W. -A. Mozart during the shooting of Milos Forman's film, Amadeus, in 1984

The Rotunda Rotunda svatého (Kříže, 12th century) is one of the jewels of Romanesque architecture in Bohemia. There are only three of these left in Prague and this is the oldest. It is representative of the time of the Přemyslides dynasty. The grid surrounding it is by Joseph Mánes (19th century). Its location, caught between colourful and more recent buildings, is a real curiosity. Offices are regularly held there.

František Bílek is one of the most famous Czech graphic designers, sculptors and artists. His religious approach to art gradually led him to the need to create complex environments. His villa is a modern residence built in 1911, which he designed himself. It shows not only the living quarters of the Bílek family, but also their studio. It is a very good visit. The monument is managed by the Municipal Gallery of Prague.

The original fountain dates back to the 1891 World's Fair, but a new, more efficient one was built a hundred years later. With fifty pumps and three thousand nozzles, it's virtually unique in the world. The water is colored by numerous reflectors (more than 1,200) and enchants spectators, who come to watch light and music shows with the impressive fountains in operation! A unique experience.

It is one of the Art Nouveau symbols of Prague. It dominates Stromovka Park thanks to its tower with a glass and steel structure and surprises with its small spiral staircase. Towers, decorated and ornamented beams, glass dome, this central building long served as the Communist Party Congress Centre. The identical reconstruction following the 2008 fire allows us to admire once again the splendid glass roof, which alone weighs nearly 500 tonnes!

This tall black tower dominates the district dates from the 15th century. It was successively watchtower, then bell tower of the church of Saint-Henri. Today it houses a luxury restaurant and an exhibition on the different towers of Prague. Architectural enthusiasts will be able to browse through the cross-sectional plans and perspective views, while fans of old postcards will take a look at Prague's old face before and during the communist period.

This is accomplished by taking a wide path lined with trees. He suddenly appears, all white, crewed, pretentious. It is a great neo-Gothic castle that the Schwarzenberk built in 1841-1871 to make it their residence and to allow the permanent installation of a large collection of works of art. The fragments of all the pre-existing buildings (the first date of the thirteenth century) - strong castle, Renaissance construction or baroque - were incorporated into this monumental «Windsor Gothic» overloaded. The current aspect is therefore the nineteenth century. It is more an aristocratic residence (the most beautiful in the country we say) than a castle. The visit is justified for the rooms (there are 140!) entirely covered with marked woodworks.

They harbor beautiful collections: weapons, furniture, tapestries and goblin in Brussels, paintings (portraits above all). The largest hall in the castle is the library, a vast reserve of knowledge of 12,000 volumes in several languages. His centerpiece is a copy of the first edition of the Diderot Encyclopedia. With a beautiful winter garden in glass and metal, you reach the old armory (jízdárna - horse riding room), stables, the deposit of calèche. This package hosts temporary or permanent expos. Finally, a visit by Hluboká would only be complete after traveling through the alleys of the English park open all year round: long wooded roads, ponds, small baroque buildings, flower beds… And the Vltava is nearby.

Near the castle, in the old stables of the Schwarzenberg, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Aleš Gallery (Alšova jihočeská gallery), which offers a very wide spectrum of works of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. Above all, the collection of Flemish and Czech art works of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries (open from 9 a. m. to 6 p. m. from April to September, until 4 p. m. October to March). Closed from December 24-31. Tariff 80 Kč, reduced 20 Kč for the entire gallery. Free on Sunday. News: 387 967 041/120 - www.ajg.cz - [email protected]).

A very good idea of excursions from Brno. This castle is remarkable for its inner courtyard, a space surrounded by arcades (on three levels) very Italian, dating back to the 1570 s. Despite the numerous developments that followed, the castle retains its original Renaissance aspect. Inside, go to the large, so-called imperial room. Its decor of stucco and mural paintings is unique.

It crosses the river Oslava, which flows below the castle. It is one of the most beautiful stone bridges in the country (1737). Completely white, he is decorated with 20 statues of saints and saints.

One of the city's most beautiful houses, from Kutná Hora's glory days in the ^15th century. Its appearance meets the criteria of late-Gothic architecture and owes its nickname to its very mineral appearance. A reconstruction at the end of the ^19th century, however, considerably altered the building's lines. Inside, there's a small exhibition dedicated to silver mining, of which there are many around the town, and to regional craftsmanship.

A fine example of Gothic architecture, this fountain features a twelve-sided reservoir on a pedestal. Note that this is not a well or spring, but a reservoir. Indeed, Kutna Hora's water system was severely disrupted by the digging of the mining tunnels, and the town had no water by the Middle Ages. After construction, drinking water was transported to the town center and stored in the reservoir.

Located on Mariánské Square, this early 20th century building is a fine example of Art Nouveau architecture in Prague. A competition was launched to find the perfect architect for the creation of this new city hall: Osvald Polívka was the lucky one. The main rule to follow is the homogeneity with the neighboring buildings, the Clementinum and the Clam-Gallas Palace. The Secession style is very well respected. Construction began in 1909 and was completed two years later.

It is impossible to miss the beautiful entrance to this building from Marianké Square. It is one of the most beautiful creations of the Viennese architect J. B. Fischer von Erlach (1713-1719). Two pairs of atlatls, sculpted by M.-B. Braun in 1714, support the balcony of the second floor. If by chance the door was open, take the grand staircase, considered one of the jewels of Baroque civil architecture in Prague. It will lead you to the capital's archives.

History and architecture enthusiasts can visit the former Špilberk Castle gaols. In the cellars, which were built during the last phase of the construction of the complex, you will come across mannequins in 18th century costumes and instruments of torture, all illuminated by a dim light. We quickly understand the role of this fortress which was the main prison of the empire. One can imagine the oppressive power of the Austrians in the 19th century and the rediscovery of the place by the Gestapo.

The castle is situated on a spur overlooking a river and is almost on the border between the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland. The castle that once stood here has been transformed into a Renaissance residence and surrounded by a landscaped park. The main tower offers beautiful views of the surrounding area (admission fee). Inside the castle, the St. Barbara's Chapel with its beautiful 16th-century decorative paintings is not to be missed.

The castle was founded in the 13th century and is located on a rocky outcrop. After it burned down in the 16th century, it was acquired by the Waldstein family, who undertook to transform it. A Baroque building and the chapel of St. John Nepomuk were built for pilgrimage purposes. In 1713, the stone bridge connecting the two parts of the castle was embellished with sculptures. In the 19th century, many romantic elements were added, a style that was very fashionable at the time.

La Petite Fortress serves as a special prison from the Gestapo since June 1940. A total of 32 000 men and women were imprisoned there (8% died), including 2 500 foreigners from former Soviet Union, Poland, France, Germany, etc. Executions (from 1943 onwards), torture, abuse, but also hunger (150 g bread per day and soup), overcrowding, lack of hygiene and epidemics were daily. This prison-camp was not synonymous with a terminal, but transit to the courts or camps of Buchenwald, Auschwitz, Mauthausen, Dachau, Ravensbrück, etc. In the meantime, prisoners were subjected to compulsory work (maintenance, administration, kitchen, construction, agriculture, industry, shoemaking, etc.).

Visit: the classes of prisoners with cells (in some, some 600 detainees!!) and the court of administration. If you are not claustrophobic, go along the fortifications in the tunnel of 500 meters long, narrow and… oppressive! By the way, you will pass through the ground of execution, the mass graves and the death gate (which passed the death sentences). The Little Fortress also houses a small museum and the cinema of the guards where historical documentaries are now broadcast (in French also). During the visit, notice the plaque in memory of the Serbian Gavrilo Princip (who murdered Archduke François Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914 leading to the First World War, he was imprisoned here by the Austrians) and that in memory of French Robert Desnos (the surrealist poet arrived here seriously ill, in June 1945, so after Liberation, and he died).

At the entrance, the National Cemetery dominated by a «Magen David» - built with the rails leading to Auschwitz - and a cross. It was built in 1945 for national funerals in memory of the victims of Terezín. Mainly buried bodies were buried in the mass graves.

In this charming little town 10 km from Opava are two of the most beautiful castles in Silesia: the Red Castle and the White Castle. They stand on a hill and overlook the town and the surrounding area. The White Castle, dating from the 16th century, was once in Renaissance style, but after reconstructions in the 18th century it took on a classical appearance. The Red Castle was built at the end of the 19th century to host cultural events.

Kašperk Castle is the highest Bohemian castle above sea level (886 meters). It was built in 1356 by King Charles IV. It protected the gold mines of the region and guarded the borders with Germany while securing the traffic on the Golden Path. Sound and light effects have been designed to better visualize the layout of the castle in the 14th century. From the main tower there is a magnificent view of the Šumava River and Germany.

Elegant baroque castle built by D. Martinelli with an influence from Rome. Paintings, sculptures and interiors were made during the 18th century. The castle has a gallery where works by H. Rigaud, H.-F. Füger and others are exhibited. On the second floor there is the museum of the Battle of Austerlitz. Don't miss the magnificent French and English gardens with beautiful statues by Matthias Bernard Braun.

This large tower dominates the central square. It was built between 1547 and 1557 to protect the city from enemies and fires. Ironically, it is called the Black Tower because of the numerous fires that have darkened its venerable stone walls. It is possible to climb to the top and admire the view. To do so, you will have to take your breath and climb the 226 steps, but the panorama is worth the detour, especially in good weather, embracing all the surrounding hills and villages.

The cable car takes you to the top of Mount Ještěd, which dominates the city at 1,012 meters. Architect Karel Hubáček created a television tower that evokes hyperbole, the top of a romantic castle tower, and an inverted funnel all at once. Its silhouette, visible for miles around, has become the symbol of the city of Liberec. Very nice view from the top. Numerous hiking and biking trails lead to the nearby villages.

Next to the church, from which it was quite distinct, the city tower was originally part of the city's fortifications. Partly destroyed by Hungarian troops in the 14th century, its solid foundations have allowed it to survive the centuries until today. Its vocation being no longer defensive, it has been reconverted in tourism and offers a panoramic view, at 35 m height, on the whole city and the region. Visit possible on appointment out of season.

It forms a large part of the southern area of the historic center, between Zámecký Park and Masarykovo Náměstí. It is a very open, unpretentious complex. It consists of various courtyards and buildings of great variety. It is a Renaissance castle dating from the 16th century, erected on the site of a medieval fort by the architect Domenico Comete for the Rožmberks. It has been remodeled many times since then. During the Thirty Years' War, it was plundered by the Swedes, who stole, among other things, the books from the rich library. At the end of the war, it became the property of the Schwarzenberg family for almost three centuries, until 1920, the date of the land reforms. The castle houses many important documents related to this influential family.

From the garden, you can access a permanent exhibition presenting the nature of Třeboň and its surroundings. Enough to learn a lot about the regional flora and fauna, but also about local traditions and the interaction between human societies and the natural environment, and how they have shaped the landscapes (open in April and October every day except Monday from 9am to 5pm, from May to September every day from 9am to 5pm, the rest of the year only on Wednesdays from 2 to 4pm). The explanatory panels are dubbed in French. You can also contact a local association that takes in injured or endangered wild animals and gives tours of its farm.

This castle and its superb ruins are those of a huge complex. Located on a wooded hill, this fortress, which seems to emerge suddenly from the forest, was built in the 13th century to protect the entire region (Moravská Brána). The fortification system (rows of walls, towers, 6 gates) is impressive. Different architectural styles are represented, testifying to countless destructions, reconstructions and developments over the centuries.

This beautiful castle replaces an old Gothic fortress. It was built in the Renaissance style from 1568 for V. de Pernštejn, under the responsibility of the famous Ticino architects Giovanni Battista and Ottavio Avostallis. It is characterized by its airy arcades and facades crowned with Renaissance gables, entirely decorated with 8,000 sgraffiti by the painter Šimon. The classical interiors of the four buildings were designed by the Wallensteins (the last owners were the Thurn and Taxis). It is easy to understand why the castle was included in the Unesco World Heritage List with its architectural features and richly decorated three-story façade. Another argument in favor of the listing is the fact that all of the castle's ancillary buildings have also been preserved in admirable condition. They are often remodeled and have very different architectural styles, which only adds to the charm of the whole. Don't miss the baroque theater, built in 1797, with its superb scenic decorations. A pilgrimage to the castle's brewery is a must, as it was the birthplace of Smetana (his father was a brewer). Litomyšl is in fact the birthplace of the famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884). The castle gardens, which include a large formal garden and an English park, are free to enter every day from 7am to 9pm and offer a beautiful walking destination.

It is the third largest castle in the country (3.5 ha, 320 pieces and 10,000 works of art) behind Prague and Český Krumlov. Before or after the visit, you should go across the pond to admire the whole and the mix of styles. This complex is a succession of closed courses surrounded sometimes by arcades, bringing together elements of all medieval architectural styles. He developed around a small castle strong in the twelfth century and then a castle of the xiiith century, created for Jíndřich I, the first lord of Hradec and his son Vítek Prčice. His apogee was reached under Adam II of Hradec, when he rebuilt it in 1581 in Renaissance residence, with the help of architect B. Maggi d 'Arogno. The work will only be completed under Slatava's rule.

Later, the Čermín continued the transformations by adding a so-called Spanish wing. In 1773, a fire damaged the whole but was well renovated in the 1990 s. The main courtyard of the castle is absolutely superb. It is surrounded by a three-level arcade.

In the oldest part, the fort of the Middle Ages - the historic nucleus of the castle - we will see beautiful wall paintings representing the legend of Saint George dating back to 1338. It will also see a table of 1460, entitled Madone of Jindřichův Hradec. This ancient part consists of a round and austere tower, a chapel and the ceremonial hall where you can admire the wall paintings.

Seen from the sky, this superb castle, one of the most beautiful representatives of the baroque style, evokes two "F" back to back, planted in the plain in the middle of a huge park. The castle appears gigantic, next to the small village. The main body, wings and inner courtyards are connected by several corridors. What strikes you at once, are the colors ochre and white or orange and white of the facade. These colors are remarkably well used to underline the floors and the openings.

A circuit allows you to visit a good part of the castle, composed of rooms of human size. On the first floor, you will discover the Roman baths as well as the Salla Terrana with its low vaults entirely covered with frescoes and a grid of green vegetation. The largest spaces are the most impressive: the dance hall with its flowery frescoes (accessed through a blue and white corridor decorated with Chinese motifs), the Chinese cabinet with its marquetry (32 different woods make up the parquet floor), the vaulted room known as the ancestors' room, the black salon with its massive furniture, the blue salon with its adorable little hidden bathroom. The stucco decorations are omnipresent, superb. In addition, one of the rooms of the castle has an amazing exhibition of pipes. Another one houses old musical instruments. The church of St. Margaret, which is an integral part of the castle, considerably enhances the silhouette of the whole. It dates from the 18th century.

The original Gothic castle disappeared during its neo-Renaissance reconstruction in the 19th century. Today, the castle has several interesting rooms, above all the impressive library with its 13,000 volumes. The building also houses a museum of regional folklore, in connection with the annual festival held there. Here you will find more than 400 instruments of the region's "popular" music. Reserve your seats in advance during the festival.

This elegant castle dominates the left bank of the Vltava River, which became a lake after the construction of a dam. The Schwarzenberg family rebuilt it in the 19th century after a fire in the neo-Gothic style. The site alone is worth a visit, and the path leading to the castle offers an enchanting walk along the Vltava River, which was made accessible by the construction of the Orlík Dam. Of the Gothic castle built by Wenceslas II in the late 13th century, only a cylindrical tower remains today. The original complex was enlarged in the 14th century and again in 1407 and 1422. In 1508 it was destroyed by fire and later rebuilt by the Švamberks. Further extensive work was carried out in the 18th century, including the addition of a second floor. The castle became the estate of the second branch of the princely Schwarzenberg family. It was they who decided on the extensive reconstruction of the house (after the fire of 1802) in neo-Gothic style between 1849 and 1860 under the direction of the architect B. Grueber. Many regret this radical transformation. The rooms of the castle (neo-Gothic and Empire style) display the rich collections of the Schwarzenberg family, including a large quantity of guns from the 17th to the 20th century. The most beautiful room is undoubtedly the one called "Teska", with its ceilings decorated with wood carvings. Don't forget to visit the surrounding English park, where the Schwarzenberg family vault is located.

In 1941, the Great Fortress was transformed into a ghetto where 140,000 Jews (men, women and children) from the Czech Republic, but also from all over Europe (Slovakia, Germany, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands and France) stayed. It was presented to the Jewish population as a refuge by the authorities and attracted part of the Jewish cultural and intellectual elite. These "volunteers" soon realized that they were in fact in a sorting camp. 62% of them were deported to Auschwitz - only 5% survived, including 150 children out of 10,000 (their drawings were saved thanks to their teacher and can be seen today in the Jewish town in Prague) - or to Dachau. To make room, the local population of Terezín was expelled in 1942. Despite this, the terrible living conditions and overcrowding resulted in the deaths of 34,000 people.

The visit to the site begins with the Ghetto Museum

(entrance fee, combined ticket with Terezín Fort 220 Kč), which is very well organized and presented and allows one to follow the entire history of the site and the Jewish population that passed through or died there. The gaze wanders sadly through the period documents (maps, identity papers, newspapers), everyday objects, clothing and others that allow us to understand the machine of destruction set up by the Nazis and especially to imagine life in Terezín.

In the Magdeburg Barracks

(Bývalá Magdeburská kasárna, only open April-October) a dormitory has been reconstructed, just like the ones in which the deportees were crammed. It also presents the artistic life in the ghetto and how the imprisoned Jews continued to practice music, literature, and theater with improvised means, to make the imprisonment "more livable" or at least to help bear the terrible living conditions. You can also visit the crematorium (Bývalé krematoriumopen only April-October), next to the Jewish cemetery. The small yellow building houses the ovens where the bodies of more than 20,000 Jews were burned before their ashes were thrown into the nearby Ohre River.

Also worth seeing: the columbarium, mortuary and ceremonial hall (Kolumbárium, obřadní místnosti a ústřední márnice), open daily from 9am to 5pm and until 6pm from April to October. And the prayer hall (Modlitebna), Dlouhá Street, open daily from 9am to 5:30pm and until 6pm from April to October.

This baroque castle, built between 1745 and 1765, is as well known for its colored walls (ochre, pink) as for its superb park. The latter is composed of a French garden decorated with numerous statues and waterfalls, an English park and an orangery. The building itself is reminiscent of many French or Viennese castles. The baroque rooms are well preserved and often push towards rococo. There is also a very successful hall of mirrors. The castle also houses a museum of historic motorcycles and, for a little folly, a hotel!

The funicular takes you to the Diana Tower, the top of which, at 35 m high, can be reached by an elevator or by the 150-step staircase. Since 1914, this famous tower has offered a breathtaking view of Karlovy Vary and, in good weather, of the Smrčiny Mountains, the Slavkov Forest and the Teplá River, which are clearly visible. Goethe and Freud, among others, came to enjoy this unique view. A local saying goes, "Whoever has not visited Diana, has not visited Karlovy Vary."

The site is strategic (a ford on the river) and was occupied for a long time by various Germanic and Slavic tribes, then by the Premyslid lords. Even before the construction of the castle, archaeological excavations have revealed the presence of several strongholds and settlements dating back centuries.

The present ruins (the largest of their kind in the country) are those of a castle built by Frederick Barbarossa in the 12th century on the site of earlier constructions. Like many other places, he used it as a temporary home for his court, as German settlers became more and more numerous in the region. The palace is now roofless, but its size and multiple arched windows are impressive. Or the massive basalt keep, nicknamed the Black Tower (Černá Věž). From its 18.50 m, one can look out over the surrounding fortifications, the old and modern town, and the river. But the main attraction is the chapel Sv. Erhada a Uršuly, which is unique in its kind. It is a two-story building with a Romanesque (in the lower hall) and Gothic (in the upper hall) vault. Ribbed vaults, columns and carved capitals... A small marvel then - and a highly historical site: it is here that in 1634 the famous general Albrecht of Wallenstein, one of the most controversial and colorful characters of the Thirty Years' War, was murdered.

This castle was transformed into an elegant residential castle from 1558 to 1621. Nevertheless, the fortifications remain: bastions, moats, walls. The whole complex is enthroned on a hill above the valley. A simply spectacular place, whose valiant structure would have even inspired Kafka for his famous novel The Castle. Inside, the central courtyard, which is surrounded by beautiful facades and various towers, is a real little panorama of the architectural styles in vogue in the 17th century

This imposing perched fortress is one of the best preserved in the country, a real architectural treasure built over 700 years... A must-see in the Czech Republic! Majestic Pernstein Castle... You can explore the many rooms - including the monumental Baroque Knights' Hall, the medieval dungeon, the kitchen, the stately rooms, etc. The whole building gives the impression of having been abandoned a few days before. Also worth a visit: the dungeons.

What a look! This real fairy-tale castle dominates the landscape and seduces from the start with its high keep, small pointed towers, access bridge, and walls that make you dizzy. Originally, it was a fortified castle from the early 14th century where King George of Poděbrady is said to have been born. In 1696, it passed into the hands of the Teutonic Knights order. Between 1896 and 1910, from its ruins it was rebuilt on a romantic model, to make it the summer residence of Eugene of Habsburg, head of this order at that time. The Gothic elements of the castle were emphasized as much as possible. In 1939, the order was dissolved and the place was requisitioned by the Nazis, who took away part of the rich collections. Inside, there are beautiful rooms and a huge kitchen. The neo-Gothic chapel houses the steles of the masters of the German order from 1395 to 1515. The rooms are filled with period furniture and decorative objects, even if not all of them were originally located in this castle. The conservation team organizes exciting thematic tours (in English) throughout the annual opening period: the castle in winter, a special children's tour, and a technical tour focusing on castle construction. Please check the website for the schedule of these tours and make your reservation. The castle is particularly well known in the Czech Republic, where its exceptional state of preservation has allowed it to appear in numerous Czech short and feature films.