This amasing castle located about 30 kilometres southwest of Prague, it is one of the most famous and most frequently visited castles in the Czech Republic. The large Gothic castle founded 1348 by Charles IV. Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia. It served as a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia as well as the Bohemian crown jewels, holy relics. The castle-buildings underwent several reconstructions: in late Gothic style after 1480, in Renaissance style int he last quarter of the 16th century. Finally, a neo-Gothic reconstruction was carried out by Josef Mocker between 1887 and 1899, giving the castle its present look. The year 1348 is of great significance to Czech history, that year enters the chronicles as the time when Charles IV established the University of Prague, founded the New City of Prague and built Karlstejn. The impressive castle is set over the glittery river of Beruunka. It was the palace where the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire were kept as well as later the crown of St. Wenceslas. The treasure was to be found under the chapel of St. Cross, the most beautiful part of the castle. It was decorated with gemstones, gold, stars of the Venice glassware and a unique portrait gallery of The Whole Army of Heaven.
Very impressive is the original step-like order of buildings. From the Well Tower and Burgrave’s Palace located as the lowest you walk up to the majestic five-floored Imperial Palace and further up towards the Marian Tower. And finally at the top of the headland stands the monumental 60m high fortified Tower.
More information: www.hradkarlstejn.cz; www.czechtourism.cz
