As little girls many of us dreamed we’d one day meet a prince and live in a castle like Cinderella. There was a sense of mystery and melodrama connected with all that. And even though meeting a royal isn’t completely out of the question today and some royal families do live in castles, most of us have to be content to visit them.
Ireland, France, the U.K. and Germany might be top of mind for most when the idea of touring castles and chateaux gets factored into travel plans, but did you know that hundreds of these grand edifices are scattered throughout the Czech Republic? Some can be traced back to the 7th century, when knights roamed the hills and valleys searching for damsels in distress. Nowadays however, these castles and chateaux have taken on a whole new life, some as hotels and museums and others as performance arenas, bringing warmth back within their walls, and drawing travelers from all over the world to their idyllic settings.
The 5 structures below in the Czech Republic are rich with history and stories and will charm anyone looking for a fairy tale episode whether it’s at a music festival or in the privacy of a luxurious suite or spa.
Karlštejn Castle
Situated just 30 miles outside of central Prague, Karlštejn Castle is a fortress, built with one purpose in mind – to store the royal treasures of Emperor Charles IV. This Holy Roman Emperor oversaw the construction of the castle, which was completed in 1365. The castle was designed in a stepped layout, according to the level of importance, with the Great Tower at the top holding the royal treasures. To this day Czech coronation jewels are carried in a formal procession from Prague to Karlštejn every June. Participants dress in historical costumes and battle for a flag in front of the emperor. Don’t worry, no injuries are ever sustained; the weapons are made of rags. So, don your costume, grab a rag and let your imagination run wild.
http://www.czechtourism.com/c/karlstejn-castle/
Kuks Chateau
The story of Kuks is one for the ages. This chateau turned spa complex was built by František Antonín Špork, who claimed that the water bubbling in the springs on his estate had curative properties. Though modern chemical tests revealed this to be a hoax, Špork’s swindle was successful. The spa complex drew countless patrons due to the beauty of its architecture and valley setting. Špork hired only the best architects and sculptors to design and build the chateau, including Matthias Bernard Braun, known as the “Czech Michelangelo,” whose sculptures decorate the open spaces.
Ironically, the complex was flooded in 1740 and the spa had to shut down. Regardless, many of the structures remain in good shape, and it’s still widely admired even though it no longer functions as a spa. Today it draws multitudes ever year for the Kuks Musical Summer, a classical music celebration occurring from June to August. As you roam the grounds, you’ll definitely feel there’s magic in the air.
http://stories.czechtourism.com/en/story/kuks/an-island-of-baroque-art.aspx
Loket Castle
When discussing Loket Castle it’s impossible not to use the words “impregnable” and “unyielding.” This fortress has been called the key to the Kingdom of Bohemia because it was said that whoever seized it would rule the whole kingdom. Many conquerors laid siege to the castle but all were unsuccessful. It seems ironic that this impenetrable fortress is now open to visitors all year long, and often used as a location in films. It was seen in Casino Royale, ‘acting’ as a summer resort in Montenegro. Besides 007, the castle boasts other famous visitors. Loket was a favorite of the German poet Wolfgang van Goethe who wrote that it is “beautiful beyond description.” The castle is made even more beautiful by the variety of color and life that springs up every August when it hosts a medieval festival, reminding everyone of its days of unconquerable glory. So lace up your corset and join the merriment.
http://stories.czechtourism.com/en/story/loket/key-to-the-bohemian-kingdom.aspx
Chateau Mcely
Visiting castles is one thing, but how about staying in one? Chateau Mcely, near Prague, is a manor dating back to the late 17th century. Abandoned by Prince Luigi della Torre e Tasso and his wife Fanny Goodyear (the daughter of the founder of the famous tire company), it was rediscovered and given new life by Inéz and Jim Cusumano. The new owners transformed this charming estate into a luxury hotel and spa, which opened to the public in 2006. The mission statement says all you need to know about a stay here – “Our Dream: Dine like royalty, sleep on a bed of roses, and enjoy blissful pampering in an elegant country manor.” The pride of the owners is the English Park surrounding the hotel. The first and only eco chic hotel in the Czech Republic, Mcely offers a natural swimming lake using natural filtration methods and is surrounded by a white sand beach, as well as a sports ground with fitness path through the surrounding landscape. Hint: hiking works wonders for toning the calves.
http://www.chateaumcely.com/en/index.php
Chateau Zbiroh
Zibroh is the oldest stately home and castle keep in the Czech Republic. Also known as the Three Emperors’ Chateau, its past owners include three holy Roman emperors and prominent European families like the Luxembourgs and Hapsburgs. Zibroh takes the meaning of “royal treatment” to a whole new level. The chateau turned hotel prides itself on excellent service and its ties to Czech aristocrats. Apartments in the hotel are named after famous occupants and each is decorated in its own style. The tavern, U Rudolfovy Kratochvíle, serves traditional Czech cuisine and the staff dresses in period costume to create an even more authentic experience. Just 45 minutes from the center of modern Prague, it’s hard to believe that Zbiroh has been able to keep its finger on preserving its historic charm. And who can argue with channeling the past?
Whether fact or fantasy, the lore surrounding the Czech Republic’s castles and chateaux is full of mystery and melodrama. Who knows? Perhaps the “Land of Stories” will have you conjuring some ideas of your own. And if romance finds its way into one of your own stories and a handsome prince is involved, I won’t give you away.
http://stories.czechtourism.com/en/default.aspx
https://travelsquire.com/ts/czech-republic/stories/