Zámek Častolovice
Masarykova 1, 517 50 Častolovice
50°7'51"N 16°11'14"E (xx km)
The history of Častolovice Chateau extends back to the 13th century when a water fortress stood in the valley of the confluence of the Bělá and Kněžna Rivers. This fortress was built on massive wooden pillars in the middle of the water. The structure was reconstructed as a Renaissance chateau at the turn of the 17th century. In addition to a farmbuildings, brewery, distillery, and wash houses the grounds also included orchards, fish ponds, and a mill with a 1 km long millrace. In the year 1694 the Šternberk family bought Častolovice as their main residence. Up until the 20th century the chateau went though numerous reconstructions in various styles. Following 1948 the chateau passed into state ownership and a boarding school a large part of the structure. This led to the devastation of the chateau and to inappropriate modifications. In 1993 the chateau was returned to Diana Phipps Sternberg in restitution; she was the only original inhabitant of the chateau to survive until its return, after which the chateau began a new life once again.
Did you know that Katerina of Šternberk, known as the "Black Lady Častlovická", supposedly at night she steps out from the painting and wanders around the chateau?
| Category | chateau, gallery, mini zoo, museum, park |
|---|---|
| Certificates and memberships | Cultural monument, partner of the association of the Eagle Mountains and Foothills, Tourist stamp |
| Style | Renaissance (90%) |
| Services | barrier-free WC, bicycle storage area, children's corner, dogs welcome, event planning and hosting, free WiFi, Occasional concerts, sale of novelties and souvenirs, sale of tourist cards, sale of tourist stamps, snacks, space available for rent, WC, weddings and other celebrations |
| Staff languages | Czech, English, German |
| Accepted forms of payment | Czech korunas in cash, Euro in cash |
| Site grounds | 160000 m2 |
| Distance from parking lot | 10 m
|
Tours / exhibitions
| Castle area | |
|---|---|
| Description | Historical interiors with original wooden painted compartment ceilings, valuable equipment, various collections of paintings, guns, etc. to show the life style as well as living standards of the Stemberk family in the course of four centuries. You can see works of contemporary painting artists at the courtyard of a small gallery. |
| Open to public | Wheelchair Access : Yes Photography allowed: No Video cameras allowed: No |
| Opening hours (GMT +2) |
Before visiting the building we recommend checking the current opening hours on the building's website or by contacting the operator by telephone.  Closed right now, as per business hoursLast tour before closing: 60 min. Sightseeing time: 60 min. |
| Foreign languages | tour guide (Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Russian), printed guide (Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian) |
| Exhibition specialization | regional history |
| Minimum / maximum number of people per guide | 3/25 |
| Chateau menagerie | |
| Open to public | Wheelchair Access : Yes Photography allowed: Yes Video cameras allowed: Yes |
| Opening hours (GMT +2) |
Before visiting the building we recommend checking the current opening hours on the building's website or by contacting the operator by telephone.  Open right now, as per business hoursSightseeing time: 40 min. |
| Foreign languages | tour guide (Czech), descriptions (Czech) |