Křivoklát Castle on the map of the Czech Republic. Gothic medieval castle Křivoklát. Myths and facts

home IN picturesque corner Czech Republic surrounded by large nature reserve near the Berounka River, 50 km from Prague, stands the Gothic castle of the Bohemian kings Krivoklat

. This is one of the oldest UNESCO-protected castles in Europe, and has become a favorite location for wedding ceremonies and filming.

Attractions
The huge Royal Hall is impressive with its size, collection of hunting trophies and weapons, and the picturesque surroundings open from the height of the 42-meter tower.

In the 16th century, there was a prison here, as evidenced by the collection of torture instruments in the surviving prison cell.

Tourists are attracted to the art gallery, which displays exhibits of Gothic painting and sculpture, the castle chapel with towering statues of the 12 apostles, and near the finely carved altar stands a statue of Jesus, accompanied by two angels with gilded wings.

The unique library of the castle contains collections of a wide variety of publications in many European languages, numbering over fifty thousand volumes of literature, manuscripts and incunabula.

Story

During the period when the country was ruled by Přemysl Otakar II, a royal hunting residence was built, where the famous King of the Czech Republic, Charles IV, subsequently spent his childhood and many years later. This is evidenced by the ancient furnishings, interior and decoration of the castle.

Opening hours

The schedule changes frequently; you can find it on the official website.

During the winter and Christmas holidays there is also the opportunity to visit the castle.

Cost of excursions

The price of entry to the castle is significantly lower if you explore it on your own and walk through its territory.

Admission ticket Most tourists use the purchase of tours that include a visit ancient castles Czech Republic. This significantly saves time traveling around the country on a tourist bus accompanied by a guide, and increases the opportunity to visit more unforgettable historical places

Czech Republic. The cost of the excursion depends on the places you would like to see in the castle and the provision of additional services.

How to get to the castle

You cannot get directly from Prague to the castle - you need to take a train departing from the central station in the direction of the castle with a change in Beroun. There you can take a local train to the village of Krivoklat, and you will have to walk 15-20 minutes to the castle.

By car

For those who prefer to travel by car, the castle can be reached from Prague by driving about 50 km along the Prague - Karlovy Vary highway, following the tourist signs.

By bus

Many buses departing from Prague Florenc bus station connect the central areas of the capital with the suburbs and outskirts. Buses go to Krivoklat Castle on weekends.

Křivoklát Castle(for Germans Pürglitz) is a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic, located west of Prague in the Rakovník region of the Central Bohemian Region (Bohemia).

History and legends of the castle

The mysterious fortress of the Czech princes and kings of Křivoklát arose, according to some sources, during the reign of Přemysl Otakar the First (12th century). The monumental royal haven for hunting and entertainment was rebuilt by order of Emperor Charles IV, then called Wenceslas. The fortification was finally completed by Vladislav Jagiello.

Interesting fact. Wanting to cheer up his young wife Blanca Valois, who was bored with entertainment, Charles IV ordered to catch vocal nightingales in the surrounding area. At sunset, the birds were released along the path along which the pregnant Blanca was walking. The wife was cheered up by the wonderful bird choir. The birds settled down to live under the castle walls. The path is now called “singing”.

Several times Křivoklát was seriously damaged by fires. It was used in the 16th century as a state prison for important people sentenced to imprisonment. The attractiveness of the architectural work disappeared.

1733. Representatives of the princely family of Fürstenberg buy out the property which had fallen into disrepair.

1826. Eliminating the consequences of a severe fire, the owners restore the palace building after

1929. The Fürstenberg family sells the residence to the state. For some period, brewing production has been operating on its territory.

Second half of the 70s: archaeologists and historians begin scientific research research papers, the building is being reconstructed.

Interesting fact. Emperor Rudolf II sent the alchemist Edward Kelly to Křivoklát prison. The scientist, despite the enormous amounts of money spent and numerous laboratory research, was unable to produce the magisterium (elixir of life). As a prisoner of Křivoklát, he lived there for 2 years. When the alchemist died, it became known that he had discovered chemical formula magisterium, and he hid it in a secret place in the castle. The king's servants examined meter by meter, but their attempts were unsuccessful.

1989. Křivoklát is declared a cultural heritage of the Czech state. The museum exhibition is opened to the general public.

Sights of Křivoklát

The dominant feature of the castle complex is the Gothic-style Chapel with a fifteenth-century altar, near which Jesus is depicted, surrounded by flying golden angels with wings. At the top there are twelve statues of the apostles.

The royal library collection, collected by Karl Egon von Ebert, a German-Bohemian poet, is of exceptional historical value. The library has fifty-three thousand ancient publications in printed and manuscript form.

Interesting fact. Eleven kilograms and two thousand five hundred pages are the characteristics of the largest book in the library.

The Royal Hall of Křivoklát Castle in the Czech Republic ranks second after the Prague Hall in terms of importance.

The Hall of Knights is filled with an exhibition of beautiful sculptural sculptures, items of royal hunting, and a variety of collectible weapons.

The gallery provides visitors with a collection of visual arts Gothic direction.

To admire the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, you need to climb 72 steps up the 42-meter-high tower structure. And going down to the basement, the tourist experiences horror at the sight of prison cells and torture devices.

At the end of the excursion, visitors are invited to shoot with a crossbow or bow. Those interested can purchase products from souvenir shops.

How to get to the castle

To see the unique Křivoklát Castle, you need to know how to get to it from Prague. A tourist can use 3 methods:

• By railway from Prague Central Station to Beroun station, then by electric train to Křivoklát, from the station it takes a quarter of an hour to walk.
• Buses for tourists run from the Florenc bus station in Prague on Saturdays and Sundays.
• By car you will need to travel fifty kilometers in the direction from Prague to Karlovy Vary (E48) or along the highway called Via Carolina (E50), connecting Prague and Nuremberg (Germany).

The road to the fortress passes through biosphere reserve, which is under the protection of UNESCO. There are several parking lots at a distance of 250-300 meters.

Administration museum complex created an accessible environment for people with disabilities.

Dogs on a leash are allowed.

Křivoklát, unlike many Czech palaces, is open to visitors all year round.

From January to March the castle is open 6 days a week, except Sundays. From November to December, working days are Saturday and Sunday.

Tour fee in CZK (CZK)

Excursions are available for organized groups of at least 10 people. You can order three days before your planned visit to the castle and on weekdays e-mail [email protected].

The first courtyard of the castle provides the opportunity to visit the tavern, whose opening hours coincide with the events of the museum complex.

The unique library of the castle contains collections of a wide variety of publications in many European languages, numbering over fifty thousand volumes of literature, manuscripts and incunabula.

The first mention of it was in 1110, but the earliest masonry of the castle is considered to be that made in the 13th century. This is why historians suggest that the castle mentioned in the chronicles and today’s Křivoklát are two different buildings. However, there is no single version. Most likely, Křivoklát was founded in the 13th century by the Czech king Přemysl Otakar the First. The castle acquired a finished appearance during the reign of Prince Wenceslas, the future Emperor Charles IV, who was very fond of hunting and visited here often. Křivoklát became a kind of castle for men: it was here that members came to hunt royal families and aristocrats. Here they stayed for several days in a row - they took a break not only from business, but sometimes also from their wives, talked, enjoyed delicious beer from a local brewery and discussed hunting trophies.

The name of Charles IV is also associated with the legend of the singing path. His young wife Blanca Valois was very homesick for social life in the wilderness of the forest house, and Karl, noticing that she loved to walk along the path near the stream at sunset, ordered the servants to catch the most songbirds in the area and release them in the evenings near the walls of the castle. Listening to the beautiful singing, Blanca became cheerful. They say that the birds remained to live near the walls of Křivoklát, delighting tourists with their wonderful trill, and the path from the castle to the stream is called singing.

Afterwards, Křivoklát Castle burned several times in the fires of the Hussite Wars, but was always completely restored. In the 15th century, a luxurious ceremonial hall in palace style and a chapel, richly decorated with carvings and wooden sculptures, were built.

Křivoklát became a truly magnificent palace inside a powerful fortress. But the castle was never used as a royal residence. Since the 16th century, it served as a prison for especially important prisoners. Here, for example, the bishop of the community of the Czech Brothers, Jan August, and the wife of Ferdinand of Tyrol, Velsa, were kept, but the most mystical prisoner was Eduard Cayley.

Edward Calley is a famous alchemist originally from England, who promised Count Rosenberg, the favorite of King Rudolf II of the Czech Republic, to create a philosopher's stone to turn lead into gold in order to replenish the royal treasury. But Kelly was never able to fulfill his promise, he was arrested and thrown into Křivoklát prison. Queen Elizabeth of England took an unexpected part in the alchemist’s fate and demanded that Rudolf II release him. But, as it turned out, the queen’s patronage played a cruel joke - Rudolf was only convinced that the swindler was really worth a lot, and ordered Kelly to be placed in a large round tower and the guard to be doubled.

The prisoner was walled up in the most impregnable high tower in a cell without windows or doors, and food was thrown through a hole in the ceiling. After a long 30 months in prison, having lost all hope of pardon, Kelly decided to escape. Twisting a rope from a torn sheet, he began to descend from the tower. But the rope could not support the rather large fugitive and broke. Kelly fell and soon died from his injuries.

According to legend, Kelly was still able to obtain the formula of the philosopher's stone, but did not want to reveal it to Rudolf II and hid it somewhere in Křivoklát. According to legend, after the death of the scientist, the king searched the entire castle, but found nothing.

Another legend is associated with the name of the Huderka Tower, which comes from the Czech word “hudba” - “music”. As has already been said, in XVI-XVII centuries Křivoklát was used as a prison for particularly important criminals. The torture chamber was located just under the tower, and, of course, the hellish screams of the prisoners could be heard from there. To drown out the groans, musicians often played in the tower, and at the highest possible volume.

In 1733, the already dilapidated castle was bought by the Fürstenberg dynasty, which used Křivoklát as a family residence and rebuilt it after a devastating fire in 1826. In 1929 they sold the estate to the Czech state. For some time there was a brewery there, and in the late seventies extensive archaeological research and reconstruction of the buildings began.

In 1989, Křivoklát Castle was declared a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic and opened to the public.

Sights of the castle and surrounding area

The crown jewel of Křivoklát is one of the best-preserved Gothic chapels in Europe, with a 15th-century altar decorated with exquisitely detailed carvings. The statues of the 12 apostles, as if alive, float high above the walls, and near the altar stands Jesus, accompanied by two angels with golden wings, and it seems that you can see how the meager clothes of Jesus are blown by the wind.

Another attraction is the royal library, collected in the 18th century, where 53,000 volumes of unique books are stored. The collection contains the earliest printed publications in several European languages, as well as books written with a golden needle. The most big Book weighs 11 kg and has 2500 pages.

The Great Royal Hall is impressive in its scale - the second largest in the Czech Republic after the Prague Hall. In the Great Knights' Hall you will see excellent statues, a collection of weapons and hunting trophies. The art gallery features an exhibition of Gothic painting and sculpture.

Climbing the 72 steps of a narrow, winding staircase to the 42-meter tower, you will be treated to wonderful views of the picturesque surroundings. And in the basements of this tower there is a “katovna” - prison cells with instruments of torture.

After the excursion, you can try your hand at archery, or visit the souvenir shops.

A visit to Křivoklát can be combined with Karlštejn Castle, which is very close but very different. 40 km away is Prague Castle. I also recommend seeing Loket Castle near Karlovy Vary and Hluboka Castle near Ceske Budejovice.

During the period when the country was ruled by Přemysl Otakar II, a royal hunting residence was built, where the famous King of the Czech Republic, Charles IV, subsequently spent his childhood and many years later. This is evidenced by the ancient furnishings, interior and decoration of the castle.

Křivoklát is open all year round. November-March - from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; April and October - until 16:00; May-June and September - until 17:00; July-August - until 18:00. Closed on Monday, in January-March - Sunday. In November-December the castle is open only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Price

There are two types of entrance tickets. Inspection of the Gothic Palace - 110 CZK, children under six years old - free, over six years old - 80 CZK, family ticket (two adults and up to three children) - 290 CZK. Full sightseeing tour - 190 CZK, child ticket - 130 CZK, family ticket - 490 CZK.

How to get there

Address: Křivoklát 47, 270 23 Křivoklát, Czech Republic
Phone: 313 558 440
Stop: Křivoklat
GPS: 50.036944,13.878611

By train

You cannot get directly from Prague to the castle - you need to take a train departing from the central station in the direction of the castle with a change in Beroun. There you can take a local train to the village of Krivoklat, and you will have to walk 15-20 minutes to the castle.

By car

For those who prefer to travel by car, the castle can be reached from Prague by driving about 50 km along the Prague - Karlovy Vary highway, following the tourist signs.

By bus

Many buses departing from Prague Florenc bus station connect the central areas of the capital with the suburbs and outskirts. Buses go to Krivoklat Castle on weekends.

40 km west of Prague, in the picturesque valley of the Berounka River, lies the hunting castle of the Bohemian kings, which will immerse you in the Middle Ages.

Krivoklát Castle (Czech: Křivoklát, pronounced Křivoklát, or Křivoklát) is one of the most famous and oldest castles in Eastern Europe, where the furnishings of that era have been preserved almost untouched. Beautiful castle in the depths national reserve, protected by UNESCO, has become a favorite place for newlyweds and cinematographers. More than one film was filmed here, including The Chronicles of Narnia.

Myths and facts

Back in the 11th century, Fort Krivoklat arose in the depths of a dense forest near the village of Zbekno. Two centuries later, a castle was built in its place gothic style the Přemyslid dynasty, which ruled in the 13th century. The princes loved to relax in these rich hunting grounds and often visited him. But after the conquest of Wilhelm Waldeck, the castle burned down in 1307.

The royal estates were revived by Prince Wenceslas, the future Emperor Charles IV, who was exiled to Krivoklat by his father Johann of Luxembourg. The updated structure added an upper courtyard and a large tower, which have retained their outline to this day.

The name of Karl is associated with the legend of the singing path. His young wife Blanca Valois was very homesick for social life in the wilderness of the forest house, and Karl, noticing that she loved to walk along the path near the stream at sunset, ordered the servants to catch the most songbirds in the area and release them in the evenings near the walls of the castle. Listening to the beautiful singing, Blanca became cheerful. They say that the birds remained to live near the walls of Krivoklat, delighting tourists with their wonderful trill, and the path from the castle to the stream is called singing.

Krivoklat Castle burned more than once in the fires of the Hussite Wars, but each time it was completely restored. In the 15th century, a luxurious ceremonial hall in palace style and a chapel, richly decorated with carvings and wooden sculptures, were built.

Krivoklat became a truly magnificent palace inside a powerful fortress. But the castle was never used as a royal residence. Since the 16th century, it served as a prison for especially important prisoners. Here, for example, the bishop of the community of the Czech Brothers, Jan August, and the wife of Ferdinand of Tyrol, Velsa, were kept, but the most mystical prisoner was Eduard Cayley.

Edward Calley is a famous alchemist originally from , who promised Count Rosenberg, the favorite of King Rudolf II of the Czech Republic, to create a philosopher's stone to turn lead into gold in order to replenish the royal treasury. But Kelly was never able to fulfill his promise; he was arrested and thrown into Krivoklat prison. Queen Elizabeth of England took an unexpected part in the alchemist’s fate and demanded that Rudolf II release him. But, as it turned out, the queen’s patronage played a cruel joke - Rudolf was only convinced that the swindler was really worth a lot, and ordered Kelly to be placed in a large round tower and the guard to be doubled.

The prisoner was walled up in the most impregnable high tower in a cell without windows or doors, and food was thrown through a hole in the ceiling. After a long 30 months in prison, having lost all hope of pardon, Kelly decided to escape. Twisting a rope from a torn sheet, he began to descend from the tower. But the rope could not support the rather large fugitive and broke. Kelly fell and soon died from his injuries.

The dilapidated castle was bought by the Fürstenberg dynasty in 1733, who used Krivoklat as a family residence and rebuilt it after a devastating fire in 1826. In 1929 they sold the estate to the Czech state. For some time there was a brewery there, and in the late seventies extensive archaeological research and reconstruction of the buildings began.

In 1989, Krivoklat Castle was declared a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic and is open to the public.

What to see

The crown jewel of Krivoklat is one of the best-preserved Gothic chapels in Europe, with a 15th-century altar decorated with exquisitely detailed carvings. The statues of the 12 apostles, as if alive, float high above the walls, and near the altar stands Jesus, accompanied by two angels with golden wings, and it seems that you can see how the meager clothes of Jesus are blown by the wind.

Another attraction is the royal library, collected in the 18th century, where 53,000 volumes of unique books are stored. The collection contains the earliest printed editions in several European languages, as well as books written in golden needle. The largest book weighs 11 kg and has 2,500 pages.

The Great Royal Hall is impressive in its scale - the second largest in the Czech Republic after the Prague Hall. In the Great Knights' Hall you will see excellent statues, a collection of weapons and hunting trophies. The art gallery features an exhibition of Gothic painting and sculpture.

Climbing the 72 steps of a narrow, winding staircase to the 42-meter tower, you will be treated to wonderful views of the picturesque surroundings. And in the basements of this tower there is a “katovna” - prison cells with instruments of torture.

After the excursion, you can try your hand at archery, or visit the souvenir shops.

Krivoklat Castle is open from 9.00 to 18.00 every day except Mondays, from April to December.
Cost: 200 CZK (7 EUR) for adults and 120 CZK (4 EUR) for students and children.
*The best way to get there is by car; direct buses from Prague run on weekends.
Official website: www.krivoklat.cz

how to get there, what to see in the castle Křivoklát.

Křivoklát Castle located in the "Czech Paradise" 59 km from Prague, 25 km from the city of Beroun. A trip to Křivoklát can be combined with a visit to the castle Karlstein , canyons. Křivoklát very beautiful castle. I liked it both inside and out. Large courtyard, beautiful interiors. The castle was founded in the 12th century, during the reign of Přemysl Otakar II. The castle acquired its current appearance in a romantic style after reconstruction completed at the beginning of the 20th century. At this time, the castle was owned by the Furstenberg family.

Despite the solid elements of the fortifications, Křivoklát Castle gives the impression of lightness of buildings.

Courtyard Křivoklát Castle quite extensive, you can climb the passages between parts of the castle.

Part of the castle wall is visible here. Křivoklát Castle is endowed with some kind of crazy positive energy. I still remember visiting this castle with great warmth. Maybe this is due to the gentlemen (beer house), located in the courtyard of the castle. They serve excellent sausages and of course beer. Crossbow shooting competitions are held in the courtyard.

home Křivoklát Castle There is quite a rich exhibition inside the castle. Available for viewing gothic palace, Gothic chapel. In the knight's hall (one of the largest in the Czech Republic), there is a large collection of weapons. Entrance to the castle grounds is free, excursions inside the castle are paid.

Křivoklát- a castle where you can wander around, appreciate the power of the fortifications and the beauty of the interior.

In 1929, the Furstenbergs sold the castle to the Czech government, currently Křivoklát Castle is a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

Schedule of visits to Křivoklát Castle.

How to get to Křivoklát Castle?

It is better to get to the castle by car. With or without. 250 meters from Křivoklát Castle There is paid parking.

You can travel by bus (32 minutes) or train (36 minutes) from Prague to Beroun, then from Beroun to Křivoklát by train (41 minutes). The route can be calculated here: An excellent site for planning routes around the Czech Republic and beyond , this site good tool for those traveling independently.

Approximate cost of visit Kosivoklat Castle is given in the table:

Benefits are provided to children under 15 years of age, students under 25 years of age, and pensioners.

I will come to this castle again.