If you are planning a trip to the Czech Republic, be sure to visit one of its most fascinating sights - Karlstejn Castle. Moreover, it is located very close to Prague - the capital of this country. We offer now to learn more about the castle, its history, appearance and excursions held here.
What is Karlstejn Castle in the Czech Republic?
As you know, in this European country from the Middle Ages to the present day several interesting buildings have survived. Among them, Karlstejn Castle stands out especially. Its name in translation means "Karlโs stone." This building, built in the Gothic style, looks very beautiful. However, despite its elegant appearance, for a long time it remained one of the most impregnable in all of Europe. Karlstejn Castle (Czech Republic) is located on top of a high cliff near the Berounka River, 28 kilometers from Prague.
Foundation History
Karlstejn Castle was founded in 1348 as the residence and treasury of relics of the king of the Czech Republic and part-time of the Roman Empire, Charles IV. The construction was carried out in a very short time, and its architect was the Frenchman Matvey Arassansky. Already in 1355, King Charles IV settled in his castle. Finally, the construction was completed in 1357.
During numerous wars, Karlstejn Castle did not allow the Czech Republic to capture the enemies, it remained impregnable. So, this fortress survived after a seven-month siege by the Hussites in 1427, and during the Thirty Years War, when the Swedes encroached on it.
In 1625, the castle began to decline. This is due to the fact that Empress Eleanor handed over Karlstejn as collateral to Jan Kavka, a Czech nobleman. Subsequently, the widow of Emperor Leopold was able to return the castle to royal property, paying a deposit. Subsequently, Karlstein again changed ownership. So, by the Empress Maria Theresa, he was transferred to the Hradฤany boarding house of noble maidens, who owned it until the structure was transferred under the control of the Czechoslovak Republic. After that, the castle was opened for tourists to visit. And today it is one of the most popular attractions in the Czech Republic.
Castle Tours
According to the rules, visiting this attraction is only possible as part of an excursion group. It is also forbidden to take pictures or video on the inside of the castle. So, local guides offer visitors three options for excursions:
- A visit to the private quarters of the founder of the castle of King Charles IV, a tour of the historic interiors of the Mariana Tower and the Imperial Palace. This tour is available at any time of the year. Its cost is about 270 CZK.
- Inspection of the most valuable interiors of the castle, including the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This tour is available from May to November. You need to book it in advance, and the price is about 300 kroons.
- Visit to the Great Tower. The cost of this excursion is 120 kroons.
Also, as part of all excursions, you can visit the exteriors outside the third gate for free. If you do not want to take an excursion, then in order to admire these attractions, you will have to pay 40 crowns.
Karlstejn (castle): how to get
If you are in the Czech capital and want to visit this place on your own, this will be quite simple. After all, the distance along the route Prague - Karlstejn Castle is a little less than 30 kilometers. It is best to get to this attraction by train, in this case the journey from Prague to the village of Karlstejn takes 40 minutes and costs only two euros. At the same time, trains in this direction run at intervals of 30 minutes. You can go both from the main Prague station, and from Smichov station.
If for any reason you do not want to go to Karlstejn Castle by train, you can also use the bus. However, bus service in this direction is not very well established. So, flights are not frequent and are carried out to the village of Morina, located two kilometers from Karlstejn. In addition, you can go on a sightseeing bus as part of a group of other tourists. But in this case, the fare will cost you much more than by train or bus to Morina.
How to navigate the village of Karlstejn
This place is quite compact, so getting lost here is almost impossible. The only difficulty a tourist may encounter is the path to the castle from the train station, since the fortress is not visible from here. However, there is nothing to worry about, since you just need to follow the black or yellow marks, and also pay attention to the numerous pointers that show the right direction. In total, the distance from the station to the castle is two kilometers.
Shopping in Karlstejn
All the way from the bus station and railway station to the castle itself is, one might say, one huge gift shop. Here, tourists are offered a standard set of mugs, magnets, figurines, towels and T-shirts. However, there are unusual items in the form of products from Czech pomegranate and Bohemian crystal. At the same time, prices here are much lower than in Prague. If you want to buy truly interesting and unique souvenirs, then be patient before entering the castle itself. Here is usually a blacksmith who makes bells and other various embossed gizmos.