Karlštejn Castle in the Czech Republic – history, photo, description, how to get there, opening hours, prices 2021, map
Karlštejn Castle is an outstanding building to the west of Prague, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is a place of rich history, bizarre architecture and mystical legends.
Construction history
The castle was founded in 1348. Some historians suggest that Matthias of Arras was the architect, but he died already in 1352. Most likely, there was no such figure of a progressive and outstanding architect, but there was a brilliant civil engineer who, with all the determination and mathematical accuracy, solved the questions and problems that arose after the ideas of the absurd ruler. Emperor Charles IV personally supervised the construction work and gave orders for interior decoration. A little-known fact, the Emperor even hired Palestinians for the rest of the work. Construction was completed almost twenty years later, in 1365, when the chapel of the Holy Cross was built.
During the outbreak of the Hussite Wars, the imperial regalia were evacuated (1421) and transported to Nuremberg via Hungary. In 1422, during the siege of the castle, on the orders of Emperor Sigismund, catapults were used, throwing dead bodies at the Hussites, which, obviously, were infected with some kind of infection (but not the plague). Later, the Czech treasures were moved to the castle, where they were kept for almost two centuries. During this time, the castle has undergone several reconstructions: in the late Gothic style – after 1480, in the Renaissance style – in the last quarter of the seventeenth century.
In 1487 the Great Tower was damaged by fire. During the Thirteen Years' War in 1619, the crown treasures and the archive were brought to Prague, and in 1620 the castle was transferred to Ferdinand II. After the Czechs were conquered by the Swedes in 1648, the castle fell into disrepair.
Many years later, under the strict guidance of J. Motzker, between 1887 and 1899, another neo-Gothic reconstruction was carried out, during which Karlstejn Castle acquired its current appearance. There are quite a few legends about Karlštejn Castle among the people. According to one of them, the castle was reserved exclusively for the secular and spiritual needs of Charles IV, so women were forbidden to be on the territory.
Another legend tells of a blind musician who played the lute in the company of a faithful dog. Prince Brunschwick was visiting the castle with a treacherous butler who cherished the dream of getting rid of the nobleman. The butler handed the goblet of poison to the prince, but he decided to treat the blind musician, since he had been playing beautifully all day. The creator was saved by a faithful dog that jumped into the musician's lap and drank the poison.
Architectural features
Karlštejn Castle is an outstanding multi-level building. The tallest building – the Great Tower – rises to sixty meters and has walls with a thickness of 4 to 7.5 meters. Inside it is the heart of the castle – the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which has no analogues in the world. The core of the castle consists of three parts, each of which is significant in its own way. At the top is the emperor's palace, above it are the Mariana and Great towers. The middle level housed the courtyard and the burghry, and the lower level housed the well tower. The depth of this well is almost eighty meters, and at least two people are needed to get water.
In truth, it was from the well tower that construction began. Given the strategic importance of this source of water, only the emperor and the burggrave knew about the existence of an underground channel connected to the well. It is said that even the workers involved in the construction of the structure were ordered to be killed in order to keep the secret.
What to see
Let's talk about what you can see in this Gothic castle in the Czech Republic.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross, located in the highest Great Tower, was so valued by Charles IV that he entered it barefoot as a sign of humility and closed it with three iron doors with nine locks. The interior decoration of the chapel is reminiscent of Jerusalem, described in the biblical book of Revelation.
The chapel was used as a repository of the crown's valuables, including the relics of saints collected personally by Emperor Charles IV. The chapel has four windows, partially glazed with precious stones. The true decoration of the interior are the frescoes from the life of Jesus Christ and 129 panels, on which the master Theodoric depicted every one of the heavenly warriors.
Mariana Tower
A cube-shaped tower, which in the past performed many functions, being a warehouse, a treasury, and even a prison. On the walls of the tower, there are remains of the original painting depicting flying angels playing musical instruments. There is also a small church named after the Virgin Mary, which was visited by the emperor and his entourage.
Imperial Palace
The emperor's palace is located in the courtyard, where massive gates lead, decorated with the coat of arms of Jan Borzhita (one of the burgraves of Karshltein). The emperor's private rooms, ancestral halls and audience rooms, as well as noble and vassal halls are presented to the visitors' judgment.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The hours of visiting the castle directly depend on what places you want to see it. There are two excursions on the territory:
The tour includes inspection of the first and second floors of the Imperial Palace, the first floor of the Mariana and Well towers.
Weekend: from 10:00 to 15:00
Weekdays: from 9:30 to 17:30
Cost: 330 CZK
For children from 6 to 15 years old, students, pensioners – 230 kroons. Children under six years old are admitted free.
The tour includes the east wing of the Imperial Palace, the 2nd floor of the Mariana Tower with the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Chapel of St. Catherine, and the Great Tower.
Tuesday-Sunday: from 9:35 to 17:05
Price: 580 CZK
For children from 6 to 15 years old, students, pensioners – 400 CZK. Children under six years old are admitted free.
Exclusive tour requires advance booking.
We remind you that opening times and entrance fees may vary depending on the time of year and public holidays.
Where is it located and how to get there
Address: 267 18 Karlstejn, Czech Republic
From Prague to Karlstejn can be reached by train (it takes about 30 minutes). Get off at Karlštejn Station, turn right, cross the Beruonka River, turn right again and after about 50 meters turn left. The main road will lead you to the castle. You can also rent a car (D5 highway).