Karlštejn Castle is an outstanding structure west of Prague that attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is a place of the richest history, bizarre architecture and mystical legends.
Construction history
The castle was founded in 1348. Some historians suggest that the architect was Matthias Arraski, 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 determination and mathematical precision, solved the questions and problems that arose after the ideas of the absurd ruler. Emperor Charles IV personally supervised construction work and gave orders for interior decoration. Little known fact, but the Emperor even hired Palestinians for the remaining jobs. Construction was completed almost twenty years later, in 1365, when the Holy Cross Chapel 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, by order of the emperor Sigismund, catapults were used, throwing dead bodies at the Hussites, which, apparently, were infected with some kind of infection (but not a plague). Later, Czech jewelry was moved to the castle, where it was kept for almost two centuries. During this time, the castle underwent 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's treasures and archives were brought to Prague, and in 1620 the castle was handed over 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 Karlštejn Castle acquired its present appearance. There are many legends about Karlštejn Castle. 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 Brunschvik visited the castle with an insidious butler who cherished the dream of getting rid of the nobleman. The butler gave the prince a goblet of poison, but he decided to treat the blind musician, since he played beautifully all day. The creator was saved by a faithful dog that jumped onto the musician's lap and drank the poison.
Features of the architecture
Karlštejn Castle is an outstanding multi-level structure. The tallest building - the Great Tower - rises sixty meters and has walls ranging from 4 to 7.5 meters thick. 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. Above is the palace of the emperor, above it - the Mariana and the Great Towers. The middle level houses the courtyard and the burgrave, and the lower level houses the well tower. The depth of this well is almost eighty meters, and it takes at least two people to get water.
In truth, it was from the well tower that construction began. Considering the strategic importance of this water source, only the emperor and the burgrave knew about the existence of the underground canal 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 interesting 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 prized 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 of the chapel reminds of Jerusalem, described in the biblical book of Revelation.
The chapel was used as a repository of the crown's treasures, including the relics of saints collected personally by Emperor Charles IV. The chapel has four windows, partly glazed with precious stones. The frescoes from the life of Jesus Christ and 129 panels, on which the master Theodoric depicted every single heavenly warrior, serve as a true decoration of the interior.
Mariana tower
The tower is cubic in shape, 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 a massive gate leads, decorated with the coat of arms of Jan Borjita (one of the burgraves of Karschltein). The personal rooms of the emperor, the halls of ancestors and the premises for audiences, as well as the noble and vassal rooms are presented to the court of visitors.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The visiting hours of the castle directly depend on which places you want to see. There are two excursions on the territory:
- Personal and Representative Chambers of Emperor Charles IV (Basic Tour)
The tour includes a tour of the first and second floors of the Imperial Palace, the first floor of the Mariana Tower and the Well Tower.
Weekends: from 10:00 to 15:00
Weekdays: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Price: 330 CZK
For children from 6 to 15 years old, students, pensioners - 230 EEK. Children under the age of six are admitted free of charge.
- Holy Places & Holy Cross Chapel (Exclusive Tour)
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 St. Catherine's Chapel, and the Great Tower.
Tuesday-Sunday: 09:35 to 17:05
Price: 580 CZK
For children from 6 to 15 years old, students, pensioners - 400 CZK. Children under the age of six are admitted free.
This exclusive tour requires advance booking.
Please be reminded that opening times and admission fees may vary depending on the season and public holidays.
Where is it located and how to get there
Address: 267 18 Karlštejn, Czech Republic
From Prague to Karlštejn can be reached by train (it will take about 30 minutes). Get off at Karlštejn Station, turn right, cross the Beruonka river, turn right again and after about 50 meters - left. The main road will lead you to the castle. You can also rent a car (D5 highway).
