A Gothic castle built in the 14
th century by Matthias of Arras for Emperor Charles
IV. as a giant safe box for relics and imperial, later also Czech coronation jewels. It quickly
became Charles' favourite retreat from the city of Prague he himself had masterminded. Women
were forbidden to enter the castle, and the story of his third wife Anna's successful break-in
became one of the most popular Czech comedies of the nineteenth century. Josef Mocker
reconstructed the castle in its
original Gothic style in the late nineteenth century. In
the interiors,
the Chapel of the Virgin Mary and St. Catherine's Chapel with precious frescos
and a portrait of the builder are preserved in their original appearance. It was here that
Charles shut himself off from the rest of the world, with any urgent business passed to him
through a hole in the wall of
the tiny ornate St. Catherine's Chapel. In the large tower there
is the castles finest treasure, the Chapel of the Holy Rood, currently closed to the
public. Traditionally, only the emperor, the archbishop and the electoral princes could enter
this guilded treasure-house, whose six-meter-thick walls contain 2200 semiprecious stones
and
128 painted panels, the work of Master Theodoric, Bohemia's greater fourteenth-century
painter [a selection of his panels are exhibited in Prague's St. George Convent]. Karlstejn
is the most visited castle in Bohemia.
In the year 1992 Karlstejn castle was added to the list of
UNESCO World Natural and Cultural
Heritage.
Karlstejn was built in 1348 to house the treasure and religious relics of Charles IV. Located
just 30 short kilometers South of the capital of Czech, Karlstejn is the most visited castle
in Czech, outside of Prague. Tours in several languages are available and visitors may take a
walk in the gardens surrounding the castle. Recently, parts of the castle have been closed to
tourists due to a few visitors who decided to steal precious belongings of the castle. This is
unfortunate and Czech authorities are working on re-opening sections that are secure from
thiefts. The castle is situated on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful valley called
Berounka.
The town of Karlstejn is also a a great place to buy a gift or have some great Czech
beer. The main road offers most of what the town has to offer, but a few trails around
the village gives one a nice rest from the packed main road leading up to the castle.
One must recommend staying at least 1/2 a day, more likely one full day, to fully enjoy
what Karlstejn has to offer.
Opening hours:
| |
April, October |
May, June & September |
July & August |
November - March |
| Monday |
close |
close |
close |
close |
| Tuesday |
09:00 - 16:00 |
09:00 - 17:00 |
09:00 - 18:00 |
09:00 - 15:00 |
| Wednesday |
09:00 - 16:00 |
09:00 - 17:00 |
09:00 - 18:00 |
09:00 - 15:00 |
| Thursday |
09:00 - 16:00 |
09:00 - 17:00 |
09:00 - 18:00 |
09:00 - 15:00 |
| Friday |
09:00 - 16:00 |
09:00 - 17:00 |
09:00 - 18:00 |
09:00 - 15:00 |
| Saturday |
09:00 - 16:00 |
09:00 - 17:00 |
09:00 - 18:00 |
09:00 - 15:00 |
| Sunday |
09:00 - 16:00 |
09:00 - 17:00 |
09:00 - 18:00 |
09:00 - 15:00 |
Guide 
