CASTLE OF KONOPIŠTĚ (ZÁMEK)

By far, we see the famous tower of this imposing castle built on the model of the French fortresses in the th century. The tower is the only testimony of this medieval period. At that time, he was surrounded by a water gap. It was reworked in Renaissance style in the first half of the th century, where the baroque entrance door adorned with statues signed Matyá Braun.

Archduke François-Ferdinand of Este, heir from the throne of Austria-Hungary, bought him in 1887 to make her principal residence after his marriage, with by his family, with Sophie von Chotek, a Czech countess. He entrusted the restoration to architect Josef Mocker who gave Konopiště its current appearance and renovation (even installed a lift). The archduke was a great hunting enthusiast and you can see his trophies during the visit as well as animal skins and stuffed birds around the world. Also a great traveller, his souvenirs and his suitcase are kept in one of the pieces. Other collections: firearms and white weapons, the armour of the th and th centuries tournaments, the objects linked to St Georges, the patron of the hunters. Curiosity: a beautiful harem, reported from a trip to the East, is located at the bottom of the smokers'lounge. For the record, the ball that killed, a few years later, François Ferdinand - thus triggering the First World War - is exhibited in the museum part. He was 51 years old.

Around the castle. After the visit, take the air in the beautiful English-style park created around 1900: forest paths, surrounded by grass, a large rose garden and a greenhouse. A superb pond extends at the foot of the castle. He invites to walks and even to bathing on the days of the sun.

Restaurant of the castle. Open daily from 10 am to 16 pm until 18 pm in July and August. Contact: [email protected], +420 602 296 039.