Chateaus

The transformation from the castles to chateaus was a slow process. Already in the late Middle Ages (the 15th century) a development to representative residential function can be observed in the castles´ architecture. Since the turn of the 15th and the 16th century the first Renaissance chateaus are being built (chateaus in Náchod, in Nové Město nad Metují, in Opočno, etc.). However the golden age of completing the chateaus in Bohemia occurred in the Baroque period. Attention of the nobles and of the construction activity was focused on modern interior decoration, outdoor adjustment including the gardens and parks, or the redevelopment. The decisive attributes for building the chateaus were utility, beauty and strength. During this period the most famous architects in Bohemia were Jean Baptiste Mathey, Franz Maximilian Kaňka, Jan Blažej Santini-Aichl (chateau in Rychnov nad Kněžnou, chateau Karlova Koruna in Chlumec nad Cidlinou) and many others. The new style – Classicism – have been spreading in Bohemia very slowly because the Baroque tradition was very strong and rooted even among the ordinary people (especially in rural areas). Classical reconstruction can be seen for example on the chateau in Ratibořice. Another cultural wave of the mid-19th century is Romanticism that was inspired mainly by English neo-Gothic style (chateau Hrádek u Nechanic).

     Častolovice – chateau

Late Renaissance chateau from 1588 to 1644 built in place of the original water fortress. An extensive collection of paintings, portraits of Czech kings. Specialized tours for the blind. English park, game-preserve with white fallow-deer, a children’s playground and a mini zoo.

www.zamek-castolovice.cz | Častolovice

     Dětenice - chateau

From the original Gothic fortress, reconstructed in the Renaissance, a late Baroque chateau was created in the second half of the 18th century; between 1998 and 2000 newly reconstructed. It is possible to view a collection of paintings, weapons and period furniture. Examples of beer production using methods from the Middle Ages.

www.detenice.cz | Dětenice

     Doudleby nad Orlicí - chateau

Small rural noble settlement was rebuilt between 1585 and 1590 in place of the Middle Age stronghold by Mikuláš of Bubny and Litice into a Renaissance chateau with a square ground plan and exuberant sgraffito decor. The adjacent English park has rare tree species.

www.zamek-doudleby.cz | Doudleby nad Orlicí

     Hrádek u Nechanic - chateau

National cultural monument. The chateau in a romantic gothic Windsor style with an extensive English park was established between 1841 and 1854. The interior is an example of aristocratic housing in the 19th century with lush original furniture and art gallery.

www.hradekunechanic.cz

     Humprecht - chateau

National cultural monument. Baroque hunting lodge from the 2nd half of the 17th century was built as an imitation of Galata tower in Istanbul with an oval ground plan. Wall paintings and an exposition illustrating the life of the Černíns of Chudenice. Museum of Sobotecko Region.

www.sobotka.cz | Sobotka

     Karlova Koruna - chateau

The most important dominant feature in Chlumec nad Cidlinou built between 1721 and 1723. The Baroque chateau has a unique ground plan, which resembles the shape of a royal crown. Near the chateau, there is an extensive English park with rare solitaires and an example of French Baroque gardens.

www.kinskycastles.com

     Kostelec nad Orlicí - chateau

Chateau built in an imperial style between 1829 and 1833. An extensive English park (42 ha) in a naturally landscaped style was formed gradually during the construction of the chateau. In this nature reservation there are many rare species of trees and plants.

www.castolovice.info/kostelec-nad-orlici.php | Kostelec nad Orlicí

     Kuks - chateau

National cultural monument. The baroque complex of former spas, chateau and hospital with a church of the Holy Trinity and an old dispensary, was established at the end of the 17th century. The most important adornments are the sculptures Vice and Virtue by the artist M. B. Braun.

www.hospital-kuks.cz | Kuks

     Kvasiny - chateau

A three winged classical chateau was built at the end of the 17th century in place of the former stronghold on the foreland above the River Bělá. It is surrounded by a 10 ha park with many beautiful and rare trees. Lovecký sál (Huntsman’s Hall) serves for concerts, exhibitions and celebrations.

www.obec-kvasiny.cz | Kvasiny

     Náchod - chateau

National cultural monument. An extensive chateau built on a rocky hill above the town. The Gothic castle from the 13th century was reconstructed by Italian master builders in the 16th and 17th centuries into a Renaissance chateau. In the interior there is a valuable collection of Flemish goblins and paintings.

www.mestonachod.cz | Náchod

     Nové Město nad Metují - chateau

National cultural monument. Chateau, founded in 1501, is part of the municipal landmark reservation. After the Renaissance and Baroque conversion was reconstructed in the years 1909-1911. Wonderful manor gardens from architect Dušan Jurkovič, complemented with timber buildings.

www.zameknm.cz | Nové Město nad Metují

     Opočno - chateau

National cultural monument. One of the most monumental and the most important Renaissance chateaus in the Czech Republic includes an art gallery with a collection of mainly Italian and Dutch painters, unique armory and a substantial library.

www.zamek-opocno.cz | Opočno

     Potštejn - chateau

Baroque chateau was built between 1749 and 1755 based on the design of the Earl Chamaré, as a replacement for the old derelict castle. It is open to the public where you can see e.g. historical expositions, a marble hall and a chapel of the Holy Trinity.

www.zamekpotstejn.cz | Potštejn

     Ratibořice - chateau

National cultural monument, known thanks to the book “Babička” as the seat of the Duchess Zaháňská. Today’s form of the chateau comes from the beginning of the 18th century, when Lorenzo Piccolomini commissioned the construction of a single-storey baroque manor house in an Italian villa style.

www.zamekratiborice.cz | Ratibořice

     Rychnov nad Kněžnou - chateau

Early baroque chateau with a terrace was completed in 1690, was reconstructed in the 18th century. There are exhibits of Kolowrat art gallery, Kolowrat crystal and a library of manuscripts. There is also a Museum and gallery of the Orlické Mountains.

www.kolowrat.com | Rychnov nad Kněžnou

     Smiřice - chateau

The chateau was built in the place of the stronghold in the center of the town in the 2nd half of the 17th century. Part is a national cultural monument - Baroque chapel of the Epiphany, from the architects G. Santini and K. Dientzenhofer with an altarpiece by P. Brandl.

www.kaple.smirice.cz

     Vrchlabí - chateau

Renaissance chateau built between 1545 and 1549 in a northern style. At the turn of the 20th century, it underwent extensive modernization. The chateau is surrounded by a large landscaped park. The building, in which the municipal office is based, is partially accessible.

www.hrady.cz | Vrchlabí

Hradec Králové Region