Cesky Sternberk Castle is one of the most famous historical landmarks in the Czech Republic. The ancient but well preserved castle is located in Bohemia, which is less than 50 kilometers from Prague. The castle originally belonged to the leading Czech noble Sternberk family. A fascinating range of family valuables are still preserved in the castle. The external architecture of the castle is early Gothic, which reflects its era of the 13th century. The castle is set in the midst of a beautiful landscape by the banks of the scenic Sazava River.
The medieval castle underwent several architectural and interior transformations over the centuries. The current interior reflects a unique Late Gothic and exotic baroque style. Tourists to the region cannot miss this spectacular landmark which is one of the major attractions. A typical group tour to the Sternberk castle takes the visitors through fifteen extravagantly decorated rooms.
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Today Czech Republic is thriving. This is a country featuring medieval sites and old world charm.
Typically a visit to Czech Republic is a visit to the Old Town Square, the Wenceslas Square, some of castles and chateaus. Are there less obvious ways to experience Czech Republic?
Probably, and some of those places include:
Strahov Monastary
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Konopiste is a famous chateau located southeast of Prague, in the Czech Republic. This building has become famous for being the last residence of the archduke of Austria, Franz Ferdinand. His assassination at this location was the trigger of World War 1, making the site a popular destination for tourists. The bullet that killed him can be found on exhibit at the museum in the castle.
The castle of Konopiste was originally built by Bishop Tobias in the 1280’s as a Gothic fortified residence. In 1725, it was transformed into a Baroque chateau, replacing the drawbridge with a stone bridge and inserting a new entrance in the eastern tower. The gate was created by Frantisek Maxmilian Kanka and showcased statues made from the workshop of Matthais Braun.
The Ministry of Culture was estimated to have spent more than $800,000 each year for the maintenance of this castle, although it recovers the same amount from tourists visit and entrance ticket sales. Aside from tourism, it can also be rented for formal functions involving heads of states or other large businesses. Currently, Princess Sophie Hohenberg has claim restitution of the castle for her family since she is a descendant of Franz Ferdinand.
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(Photo credit:
LWY)
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