Konopiste is the most expensive castle in the Czech Republic. Konopiste Castle, Czech Republic Konopiste on the map of the Czech Republic
Konopiste Castle is located 50 km from Prague, near the small town of Benesov. It undoubtedly has great historical and architectural value.
Every year it is visited by thousands of tourists who are attracted by the magical fairy-tale atmosphere of the castle and its historical significance. It became widely known thanks to Franz-Ferdinand von Habsburg, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, who used Konopiste Castle as his last residence. Franz Ferdinand inherited the castle in 1887 in its almost modern form - a quadrangular structure with seven round towers and two drawbridges.
However, Konopiste Castle acquired its architectural appearance, which has survived to this day, only in the 18th century. It was built five centuries earlier in the Gothic style typical of those times, modeled on French churches. There are many “blank spots” in the history of this architectural monument. So, there is no complete certainty even about who founded the castle. Presumably this is Bishop Tobias from Benesov. Over the next few centuries, Konopiště Castle changed owners several times, who added to it according to their own tastes. A major reconstruction was carried out at the beginning of the 17th century - then a Renaissance palace was added to the building. Over time, features of this style began to predominate in the architecture of the castle. A few decades later, the Four Seasons frescoes on the ceiling of the great hall and carved marble fireplaces were added.
Franz Ferdinand, like the previous owners, also took part in the arrangement of the castle, converting it into a luxurious residence: he installed electricity, installed a hydraulic elevator, and significantly expanded the collections of hunting trophies and weapons.
These collections, as well as a shooting range with automatic targets and much more, are shown to tourists during excursions. Konopiště Castle is also very popular because it is surrounded by an unusual beautiful park, where peacocks walk. There are greenhouses with exotic plants and enclosures with bears on the territory. All together it seems to immerse visitors historical monuments into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
You can complement the excursion by visiting the Museum of St. Georg, which often hosts exhibitions dedicated to episodes from the life of Franz Ferdinand. And if you're lucky, you will witness a real wedding ceremony within the walls of this castle.
Konopiste Castle photo.
Just 50 kilometers southeast of Prague, near the small town of Benesov, is located one of the most beautiful medieval castles Czech Republic, harmoniously combining in its appearance the features of the Gothic style and Baroque - Konopiste Castle.
History of Konopiste Castle
Medieval castle of the Czech Republic Konopiste was founded by the Benesovites at the end of the 13th century, who apparently received these lands in exchange for their residence in Benesov. There is also a version that the founder of this Czech castle was the Prague Archbishop Tobias, who became the head of Czech politics in the difficult years after the death of King Přemysl Otakar II. It was originally a classic Gothic Czech medieval castle- in the form of a powerful quadrangular fortress with round towers at the corners. Total in Czech medieval castle Konopiste there were seven towers, and its walls were completely impregnable by the deep moat and earthen ramparts surrounding the castle.
In 1327 Czech medieval castle Konopiste was donated by King John of Luxembourg to Zdeslav from the Sternberk family, who also owned the Czech Sternberg Castle (the latter, unlike Konopiste, belongs to the Sternberks to this day). During the Hussite wars, the Sternberks supported royal power, the Czech king George of Poděbrady often visited the Czech castle of Konopiště, and his first wife Kunguta even gave birth to her first child here in 1425. But in 1465, the then owner of the Czech medieval castle Konopiste Zdenek went over to the rebel camp, this Czech castle was besieged by royal troops. True, the inaccessibility of its walls protected the rebels for a long time, and only in December 1468, after an eighteen-month siege, the starving defenders of the Czech medieval castle of Konopiste were forced to surrender. In the next two centuries, this Czech medieval castle changed owners twice, some of whom, the Godeyovskys, carried out a small reconstruction in the spirit of the late Renaissance at the beginning of the 17th century. Under the next owner, Albrecht Waldstein, the medieval castle of Konopiste in 1648 became the prey of the Swedish army, which plundered and destroyed this Czech castle in 1648 during the Thirty Years' War. After this, for some time the Czech castle of Konopiste fell into desolation and decay.
Finally, at the beginning of the 18th century, it was acquired at auction by the Czech nobleman Jan Josef Vrtba, during which another reconstruction of the medieval Konopiste castle took place in the Baroque style, instead of a drawbridge, a large one was built a stone bridge, decreases tower height, the southern wing is being built. And in 1887, the Czech medieval castle of Konopiste was acquired by the heir to the Austrian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The new owner is carrying out another radical reconstruction of this Czech castle, equipping it with all the achievements of civilization (electricity, hydraulic elevator, water supply and sewerage), decorating the walls of the castle with hunting trophies, and also creating a beautiful English park with a rose garden, terraces and marble statues around the medieval Konopiste castle . After the creation of independent Czechoslovakia, the Czech castle of Konopiště was nationalized by the Czech state in 1921, which remains in its ownership to this day. Interestingly, the Czech Ministry of Culture spends about $800,000 annually on maintaining the medieval Konopiště Castle and the rich collections stored in it, only part of which is offset by tourism income.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1863-1914) was the nephew of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph. In 1889, after the suicide of Crown Prince Rudolf, the only son of the Emperor, Franz Ferdinand became heir to the throne of the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire.
He lived most of his life in the Czech medieval castle Konopiste, which he bought in 1887. He was a man of amazing and tragic fate. In 1900, Franz Ferdinand married for love the Czech Countess Sophia Chotek, who did not have the high origins necessary for the wife of the future emperor, as a result of which he was forced to solemnly renounce his rights to succession to the throne for his future children. For a long time
He lived quietly with his wife and three children, his daughter Sophia and his sons Maximilian and Ernst in the medieval Czech castle of Konopiste, which he lovingly remodeled, spending almost all his time in hunting fun. But at the same time, Franz Ferdinand took an active part in the politics of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, developed a plan for transforming the country, which was bursting at the seams from national conflicts, into the United States of Greater Austria with the formation of 12 national autonomies
for every major nationality living in the Empire.
Such a reform would significantly reduce the degree of national contradictions and could significantly prolong the power of the Habsburg dynasty.
Franz Ferdinand did not like the Russians, and even more so the Serbs, but at the same time he was categorically against the war with Serbia, realizing that such a war would inevitably lead to a clash with Russia, fatal for both empires. Unfortunately, the Archduke's plans were not destined to come true. It was his murder by Serbian terrorists in Sarajevo in 1914 that became the reason for this disastrous war.
In the medieval Konopiště Castle itself, you can see the magnificent collection of hunting and military weapons and armor of the 16th-19th centuries, collected by Archduke Franz Ferdinand, numbering more than 4,500 items.
There is also a large collection of hunting trophies decorating the walls of this Czech castle - about 300,000 copies. Also in the Czech Republic Konopiště Castle there are fine collections of porcelain, furniture and art objects from the Baroque era.
Operating mode Czech castle
Konopiste is open from April to November according to the following schedule: Separate items are available for inspection. tourist routes along the northern and southern wings of the Czech castle Konopiste at a price 140 CZK from an adult, 90 CZK per child for a guided tour in Czech and 210 CZK from an adult and 130 CZK per child with a foreign language guide. The interior chambers of Konopiste Castle can be viewed from 210 CZK along the northern and southern wings of the Czech castle Konopiste at a price to an adult, - for a child, with translation - accordingly 310 and 210 CZK . A family ticket (2 adults and a maximum of 3 children 3-15 years old) without transfer will cost 350 CZK , with translation - into.
530 CZK
How to get to the castle
How to get there by car Getting to the Czech Konopiště Castle by car is not at all difficult - you leave Prague by road D1(E50 ) direction to Brno , after about 22 km you turn onto the road 38(E55) take exit 21 and head towards Linz, Ceske Budejovice and Benesov ( Linz, Ceske Budejovice, Benesov ), after 14 kilometers, passing Benesov, take the exit with the sign for Konopiste ( Konopiste
) and immediately find yourself right under the hill on which the town of Konopiste is located.
How to get to Konopiste by public transport You can get to the Czech castle Konopiště by bus or train with a transfer in Benešov. Buses to Benešov from Prague depart both from the Florenc bus station ( UAN Florence ) (9.05, 11.20), and from Roztyla ( Roztyly ) (10.45, 12.35, 13.30,15.00). Travel time is about 40-50 minutes, ticket price from 40 to 60 CZK . Trains depart from the main station ( Hlavni nadrazi ) and are sent at 9.16 (R637), 9.20 (OS 2521), 10.20 (Os 2523), 11.16 (R 203), 11.20 (Os 2525), etc. Travel time is from 40 minutes to an hour, ticket price -.
71 Krona In general, from railway station Benešová (the bus station is also very close) a 2-kilometer-long hiking trail, marked with red signs, leads to Konopiště Castle. But if you don’t want to walk at all, you can wait for the bus, which will get to the stop in 5 minutes located 500 meters from this Czech castle. Buses depart from Benesova bus station to 9.05, 12.00, 12.15, 14.30, 15.40, 16.40, 17.10 , the ticket costs 12 CZK.
For a more complete practical information website of the Czech castle Konopiste "www.zamek-konopiste.cz"
One of the most beautiful castles located in the vicinity of the city of Benesov. It is included in the version of our website.
This 13th-century castle gained its popularity thanks to its original architecture and rich collection of porcelain, antique furniture and hunting trophies. Sometimes it is called a “hunting” castle. Also, the castle became world famous due to the fact that its last owner was the Austrian heir, whose murder played an important role in the outbreak of the First World War.
Despite numerous reconstructions and restorations, the castle has retained its Gothic style and its resemblance to French castles, as originally intended. Outwardly, it resembles a rectangular fortress with rounded towers. Today the castle is surrounded by a large English park with terraces, sculptural compositions and a rose garden.
The last owner of the castle was Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was very fond of hunting and amassed a collection of historical weapons. During his life, he killed many animals, more than 200 thousand to be exact. And the tradition of raising bears in the area has been preserved to this day.
Geographically, the attraction is located approximately 50 km from Prague. In order to get to your destination, the easiest way is to take a train or bus to the city of Benesov, from which the castle is separated by only 2 kilometers.
Photo attraction: Konopiste Castle
Built in the image and likeness of French castles in the 13th century, Konopiste is notable for the fact that at the end of the 19th century it belonged to the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Franz Ferdinand d'Este.
The Czech Republic is an amazing country in which many eras are intertwined. Here you can see a miracle of modern architecture: the Dancing House, whose bizarre shapes both frighten and fascinate at the same time. It seems that at any moment the building will simply collapse like a toy. But rarely does a tourist pass by it; with bated breath, people climb the vintage stairs. And there, under the transparent dome, you can see the outlines of the greatest creation: Konopiste Castle.
Konopiste Castle - photo in autumn.
The seven-towered, white-foamed beauty drowns in the malachite greenery of the surrounding park.
History of Konopiste Castle
Bishop Benesevich, who lived in the 13th century, visited France several times. Impressed by the development and unusualness of its churches, he decided to build himself a castle in the same style. Initially, the castle was an absolute copy of the French ones: towers, drawbridges, a monolithic building in the Gothic style. Subsequently, the castle had many owners who contributed something of their own, rebuilt it, and added new things. The result was an interesting building that combines Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic styles.
But in the 19th century, the castle came into the possession of the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The potential heir to the throne wanted to completely remodel both the castle itself and the surrounding area. Franz Ferdinand was a keen collector, and his true passion was hunting. The Archduke wanted to perpetuate his trophies and create a unique collection, which would have no equal in the world.
A great lover and admirer of antiquity, he traveled all over the world in order to collect all the wonderful rarities: trees, weapons, flowers, armor, skins, books.
From one trip, wanting to surprise and pamper his beloved wife and daughter, the Archduke brought a real, brown bear cub. From that moment on, it became a tradition to have bears. And now you can see a Himalayan bear named Yirka on the territory of the castle.
Franz Ferdinand built the first elevator in his castle, which was almost exotic for that era. Also, all communications were installed in the castle, including sewerage. It should be noted that the Duke gravitated towards English terraces, so the garden and park area were laid out in the English style. As a result, the adjacent area turned into a luxurious garden.
The interesting thing is that everything Franz Ferdinand took on became an absolute masterpiece. The Countess was considered an unworthy match and was openly hated at court for her excessive openness of character. The reigning emperor himself did not particularly object to this marriage. But on the condition that the Austrian Archduke renounces the throne in writing.
The royal couple lived happily, the marriage brought three children. But in 1914, during a trip to Bosnia, a tragedy occurred. By that time, Herzegovina and Bosnia were completely occupied by the Austro-Hungarian alliance. Then the underground organization “Mlada Bosna” was created and its members staged an attempt on the life of the heir to the throne. The assassination attempt was successful: the crowned couple died. It was this murder that served as an acute impetus for the outbreak of the First World War, in which hundreds of innocents died.
Konopiste Castle Park
The Archduke loved to retire to the shady park located near the castle. Sometimes those close to him spent hours looking for him, only his wife, Duchess Sofia, always knew exactly where to find her husband. But she rarely disturbed her husband's peace. Franz Ferdinand ordered the park to be laid out in a purely English style: shady alleys, perfectly trimmed bushes, a luxurious rose garden of rare roses. He collected sculptural creations all over the world, placing them throughout the park. Particularly striking is the rose garden itself, surrounded by hunting sculptures made by Italian craftsmen commissioned by the Duke.
An English-style park near the castle walls.
The total area was initially about 350 hectares, but over time it has decreased slightly and is now 230 hectares. But the picturesque and marvelous garden is more like paradise: spreading tree crowns cover luxurious flowers from excess sun, dozens of bushes brought from distant countries, peacocks - the lords of greenery. All paths are immaculately cleaned and tiled. Decorative flower beds of such extraordinary beauty that to a simple tourist it may seem that it was simply drawn by animators.
Konopiste Castle Collections
From the very beginning, within the walls of the castle there were rooms with weapons, rare books, armor, and hunting trophies. But after the castle passed to Franz Ferdinand, it turned into a continuous museum of collections.
It is especially worth talking about his collection of trophies. A lover of hunting, the Archduke of Austria sought to perpetuate his achievements in this hobby. He collected more than 300 thousand different specimens, under each there is a detailed plate: where and when the animal or bird was killed. These trophies adorn all the walls of the castle, but cause conflicting feelings among animal lovers. After all, behind every exhibit there is the life of an innocent animal.
But one way or another, the collection became unique: there is no other like it in the world. And among connoisseurs it evokes only the utmost admiration.
But the Archduke created not only a collection of trophies. The castle has several rooms where weapons and armor from the 17th to 19th centuries are collected. Possessing a huge fortune, Franz Ferdinand could afford to purchase any rare weapon, even if it belonged to the rarities of another country. Many exhibits were presented as gifts to his ancestors. Therefore, in the castle you can see rare exhibitions that are not in any museum.
The decoration of the castle itself can easily be classified as a collection. Tapestries, exclusive and massive chandeliers, luxurious furniture leave a lasting impression. The rarest sculptures depicting St. George the Victorious (dragon slayer) are connected by an invisible thread into a single composition if you walk through the entire castle from bottom to top and walk around the wonderful garden.
Features and highlights of the castle
Registration at a regular registry office has become familiar to many. But there is a place where you can feel like a real royal couple on your wedding day.
The fact is that all marriages concluded in Prague are considered valid for all countries. This means you can legitimize your relationship right on the territory of the luxurious seven-tower palace. The castle provides accommodation; the animators organize a real banquet for the royal family.
Another popular castle in the Czech Republic is Karlstejn. Unfortunately, excursions organized for Russian tourists are not carried out there yet. But it’s not difficult to get to Karlštejn on your own. we will tell you how to do this quickly and safely.
And we collect information about Czech cities and their attractions.
Interesting fact: not far from the castle in the town of Benesov they brew their own beer, and according to special recipes. It has a very symbolic name, although the residents themselves consider it “historical humor.” , since it was with seven bullets that the Ferdinands were shot in Sarajevo. The taste of drink lovers will seem very peculiar, but at the same time high quality and tasty. The inherent bitterness is retained as additional symbolism.
Beer "Ferdinand Sedm Kulí".
Tourist guide: how to get to Konopiste Castle
The castle is located 40 km from the capital itself. Even if this is your first time in Prague, getting to it will be very easy even if you search on your own. However, we must take into account that you simply cannot enter the castle without a guide. This makes it different from other museums, where you can go unaccompanied.
The culture and fashion for cycling in the Czech Republic are at a high level. Sign for cyclists: Konopiště is 1 km away.
All roads in the capital and beyond are marked with special signs, so it’s worth following them. The easiest way is to book a tour at your hotel. But you can take the Praha Hlavni Nadrazi train to Benešov, and from there follow the sign to the castle. Upon arrival, it is clearly visible, so it is not difficult to get there without an escort.
If you have already been to Prague, then you can use the metro: a train to the city also leaves from Roztyly station. You can also get there by bus, but it will take a little longer. A rented car will come in handy if you speak English or Czech well.
Excursion routes and their costs
The cost of the excursion depends on the number of people, the route and the language of the accompanying guide.
There are three types of routes around the castle:
- tour of the Archduke's personal apartments. Cost 13-15 euros. The price already includes a guide service;
- a tour of the left wing and a visit to hunting exhibitions;
- excursion along the right wing with a walk through the hall of the library and arsenal.
The cost of the last two is from 9 euros, depending on the tourist’s requests. You can also order an individual walk through the garden and the entire palace, which may be cheaper in total. The average duration of the excursion is 1 hour.
The castle can be visited from the beginning of April to the end of October at any time, in November only on weekends. Every Monday is an official holiday.
