Castles and Chateaux

The Czech Republic is known for its impressive castles and chateaux which have been well preserved throughout the centuries and are examples of various architectural styles, from early medieval Romanesque to the early 20th century Art Nouveau.

These sights are not just sleepy museums but offer historical festivals and markets showing old crafts, night-time tours with guides in costumes, concerts and other art performances. There are around 2000 chateaux, castles, fortresses and their ruins in the country. Among the most popular sites are Karlštejn, where the Czech crown jewels are displayed in the gilded dome of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the castle and chateau of Český Krumlov with the Baroque theatre and a revolving auditorium and Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral, forming the famous silhouette of Prague.