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.