The first mention about the castle dates back to about 1100. Originally a timber castle served as a prison for political torts. Its purpose hasn't changed for the whole Middle Age. Castle grew into a military fortress in the time. Its today appearance is from 1850 when it was rebuilt after having been destroyed by fire. There are a late Gothic chapel with a folding altar with carved statues of apostles and a library with 24,000 copies and rare manuscripts in the castle. Carles IV. made out the document about foundation the New Town of Prague there in 1347.
Karlstejn, one of the most beautiful and most important Czech castles, was founded in 1348 by the Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV. (Karel IV.). He reconstructed his residential seat - the Prague castle, which had become the center of Europe and the Holy Roman Empire at that time, but he still needed a fortress that would keep safe the Imperial coronation jewels and other treasures. That is why he chose a place close to Prague to build a new castle, Karlstejn.
A royal castle built in the 12^th century, damaged by the Hussites and almost completely renewed under the king Vladislav Jaggilleo and his son Ludvik in the years 1493 - 1522. It is located in the heart of the best hunting ground in Bohemia. It enjoyed the royal patronage of the Premyslids, whose hunting parties were legendary. Charles IV. spent the early part of his childhood here before being sent off to France. From the outside it is an impressive stronghold, dominated by the round tower in which English alchemist Edward Kelley was incarcerated for two and a half years for failing to reveal the secret of the philosopher's stone to Rudolf II. The hour long guided tour takes you in most of the castle's good points, including the Great Hall and the Chapel. Both have kept their original late Gothic vaulting.