ZVÍKOV CASTLE (HRAD)

This reputedly impregnable royal castle is a beautiful little complex founded by Ottokar I and today one of the oldest medieval fortresses in the Czech Republic. It is strategically located on a rocky spur above the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers. The view is worthy of the most beautiful postcards. Like Orlík and many other South Bohemian properties, it belongs to the Schwarzenberg family. The site is exceptional, but to fully appreciate it, you have to imagine it overlooking the river by some 60 meters. The construction of the dam downstream on the Vltava River has changed the water level and thus the perception of the castles along the river. The original situation made the fort impregnable. It has withstood all attacks in the course of its history. Even when in 1618 its 140 occupants were attacked by 4,000 Habsburg soldiers! Zvíkov was originally a royal castle, which was later transformed into a residence of the Bohemian court. The most important changes took place during the Renaissance, around 1550. However, the castle still has a Gothic layout, as evidenced by its beautiful courtyard with arcades. The prismatic tower (Hlísová tower), a remnant of the original castle, can be seen. You can walk along the parapet walk, visit the St. Wenceslas Chapel with its beautiful murals, or the Wedding and Ballroom (frescoes). In other rooms you can see weapons and furniture from different periods.