ORLÍK CASTLE (ZÁMEK)

This elegant castle dominates the left bank of the Vltava River, which became a lake after the construction of a dam. The Schwarzenberg family rebuilt it in the 19th century after a fire in the neo-Gothic style. The site alone is worth a visit, and the path leading to the castle offers an enchanting walk along the Vltava River, which was made accessible by the construction of the Orlík Dam. Of the Gothic castle built by Wenceslas II in the late 13th century, only a cylindrical tower remains today. The original complex was enlarged in the 14th century and again in 1407 and 1422. In 1508 it was destroyed by fire and later rebuilt by the Švamberks. Further extensive work was carried out in the 18th century, including the addition of a second floor. The castle became the estate of the second branch of the princely Schwarzenberg family. It was they who decided on the extensive reconstruction of the house (after the fire of 1802) in neo-Gothic style between 1849 and 1860 under the direction of the architect B. Grueber. Many regret this radical transformation. The rooms of the castle (neo-Gothic and Empire style) display the rich collections of the Schwarzenberg family, including a large quantity of guns from the 17th to the 20th century. The most beautiful room is undoubtedly the one called "Teska", with its ceilings decorated with wood carvings. Don't forget to visit the surrounding English park, where the Schwarzenberg family vault is located.