ČASTOLOVICE CASTLE

Returned to the Šternberk family in the 1990s, this Renaissance castle built between 1588 and 1664 was originally a fortress surrounded by artificial lakes. This probably explains its design: a rectangular enclosure with four buildings and two gates. The current Renaissance appearance of the castle dates back to 1900. At that time, it was decided to remove the neo-Gothic modifications made in the 19th century and the castle was restored to its original appearance, or almost.

This beautiful castle is inhabited by its owners. But they allow visitors to discover some of the 150 rooms. The buildings are very elegant with their warmly colored walls, their frescoes with slightly faded colors. In the arcaded building, the best preserved, one will notice the coffered ceiling of the great hall. It is decorated with paintings representing scenes from the Old Testament. You will walk through long and beautiful vaulted corridors and richly decorated rooms to discover a collection of portraits of all Bohemian kings, or those of the Šternberk family. Don't forget to take a walk in the very pleasant English park surrounding the complex. The park houses a mini-zoo for children (and parents!), you can see goats, ponies, llamas thriving in a beautiful environment (access for a fee extra, 65 Kč, reduced 55 Kč, open daily all year round 9am-6pm). Please note that the castle is sometimes privatized for weddings.