Konopišté is wonderful four-winged, three-storey chateau, which located about 50 km southeast of Prague. It was initially constructed as a Gothic fortification during the 13th century and was later transformed in a Baroque style. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria bought it in 1887, and rebuilt it into a luxurious residence, which he preferred to his official residence in Vienna. The extensive 225ha English-style park, with terraces, a rose garden and statues, was established at the same time.
The castle can be visited from April to October. Visitors can observe the residential rooms of Franz Ferdinand, who was also an enthusiastic hunter, a large collection of antlers, collection of armoury and medieval weapons, a shooting hall with moving targets, and a garden with Italian Renaissance statues and greenhouses.The master of the castle also collected objects with the motif of St.George, of which there are 3,700 items dating from between the 13th to the 19th century.The most stiking feature of the castle is the large round tower at the southeast corner, with its machicolations and conical roof, int he Tyrolean style.
More information: www.zamek-konopiste.vz/en
