CASTLE OF JINDŘICHŮV HRADEC (ZÁMEK)

It is the third largest castle in the country (3.5 ha, 320 pieces and 10,000 works of art) behind Prague and Český Krumlov. Before or after the visit, you should go across the pond to admire the whole and the mix of styles. This complex is a succession of closed courses surrounded sometimes by arcades, bringing together elements of all medieval architectural styles. He developed around a small castle strong in the twelfth century and then a castle of the xiiith century, created for Jíndřich I, the first lord of Hradec and his son Vítek Prčice. His apogee was reached under Adam II of Hradec, when he rebuilt it in 1581 in Renaissance residence, with the help of architect B. Maggi d 'Arogno. The work will only be completed under Slatava's rule.

Later, the Čermín continued the transformations by adding a so-called Spanish wing. In 1773, a fire damaged the whole but was well renovated in the 1990 s. The main courtyard of the castle is absolutely superb. It is surrounded by a three-level arcade.

In the oldest part, the fort of the Middle Ages - the historic nucleus of the castle - we will see beautiful wall paintings representing the legend of Saint George dating back to 1338. It will also see a table of 1460, entitled Madone of Jindřichův Hradec. This ancient part consists of a round and austere tower, a chapel and the ceremonial hall where you can admire the wall paintings.