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.