Klenova - July 2006

(Klatovy region) A ruin of a sizable bipartite castle that the lords of Klenova and Janovice founded at the end of the 13th century. The late-Gothic fortification is considered the peak of Czech 15th century fortification architecture. Within 16th and 17th centuries, it was partially converted into a mansion, however, it was later on only referred to a ruin. Romantic alterations during the 19th century created the ideal circumstances for an art gallery to be installed there, which exhibits works from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Cesky Krumlov - July 2006

(Cesky Krumlov Region) The so-called 'Hradek' is the oldest part of this large property featuring a massive Renaissance cylindrical tower from the late 13 century. Originally, it was residence of lords from Krumlov and Rozmberk, who converted the original castle into a Renaissance mansion early in the 14th century. An upper castle and outer defences were erected on a rising rocky ridge. Leading artists participated in the reconstruction that lasted until the late 18th century. Large gardens and unique Baroque theatre adjoin the mansion.

Trosky - July 2006

(Semily Region) The romantic ruin of a Gothic castle with towels on two peaks of a basaltic igneous rock called Panna (Virgion) and Baba is a dominating feature of the territory known as the Bohemian Paradise. Between the towels, a single storey two-wing palace was annexed. Cenek of Vartemberk established the castle before 1396 that was burnt out during Thirty Years War in 1648 and consequently abandoned.

Bezdez - July 2006

(Ceska Lipa Region) A silhouette of ruin of the castle established by Premysl Otakar II in 1264 on the higher of the two neighbouring hills is visible from a distance. Otakar's son Wenceslas II and Ota Braniborsky were kept there as prisoners in 1279. In the 17th century. the abandoned castle was sought out by pilgrims and later became a monastery. The greatly admired early-Gothic chapel of St.Michael marks Bezdez out as unique example of 13th century castle architecture, having experienced no subsequent alterations.

Rabi - July 2006

(Klatovy Region) The most extensive ruin of a castle in Bohemia that is likely to have been founded by Bohuslav of Velhartice at the beginning of the 14th century. Jan Zizka lost his second eye there in 1421 during the Hussite siege. Under the rule of Put Svihovsky post-1479, the builder Benedict Rejt took part in reconstructions and the castle became the best-fortified residence in Central Europe. Later on, the castle began to dilapidated and was completely plundered in the Thirty Years War.

Krivoklat - July 2006

(Rakovnik Region) The commencement of the well-maintained castle harks back to the reigns of Premysl Otakar I and his successor Wenceslas I. A minor upper castle with a three-winged palace and round residential donjon in the ramparts is the most significant part. The roomier lower castle comprises farm and defensive buildings including a black kitchen. During the reign of Vladislav Jagiellon, Hans Spiesse converted the castle premises, along with its richly decorated Gothic chapel, into one of the most imposing residence in Central; Europe, even competing with royal palaces. Krivoklat often served as a prison, for instance young Charles IV was kept there by his father John of Luxembourg, as were Bishop Jan Augusta and an English alchemist Edward Kelly in the 16th century. Architects Humbert Walcher von Molthein, Josef Mocker and Kamil Hilbert conducted the most recent restorations, in particular in the 19th century.

Ledec nad Saz - July 2006

Cesky Sternberg - July 2006

(Benesov Region) Zdeslav of Divisov established the castle situated on the rock overlooking the River Sazava as his new family home prior to 1241. The family crest - a golden star on a blue background - gave it its name. Uniquely, the castle has been in the possession of one family throughout the centuries right up to the present day. The original Gothic buildings we amalgamated in a reconstruction that took place in the middle of 17th century, lending the entire complex a rather compact form. The interiors are richly furnished with valuable objects and family collections.

Orlik - July 2006

Pisek Region) Founded by Premysl Otakar II as a royal castle on a high rock overlooking the River Vltava valley, it belonged to the king until 1357. The Svamberks converted it into a Renaissance palace and the Schwarenberks came into possession of the property in 1717. Its present appearance comes from a neo-Gothic reconstruction its the historical important interiors.

Karlovy Vary - July 2006