Červená Lhota castle - Czech republic
Castles
Červená Lhota castle
A stronghold was built on place of today´s Červená Lhota castle, however, we know nothing about their owners. In 1530, the building was bought by Jan Kaba of Rybňany, and he moved here with his brother Wenceslas. Their dominion prospered well, so they decided to re-build it to more comfortable seat. The reconstruction was made by Hons Vlach. He changed originally Gothic stronghold into castle with four wings, layed out around square courtyard. In second half of 16th century, the castle was hit by certain epidemy, it could be plague, who knows? Anyway, many members of Kába-family died. In 1597, the castle bought William Rut of Dírná, who belonged to one of leading men of area. The castle was arranged in Renaissance style. The dominion was enlarged of several villages and small town of Deštná.
After White Hill battle period, the castle was very interesting for Antonius Bruccio, Emperor´s Cavalry Captain. He seized the castle by force, later he got the right also from court decision. As a new owner, he made some important changes in castle-face. He let built new stony bridge with three arches on place of previous wooden one. However, Bruccio died and did not let any inheritor. So, the castle came to the possession of King´s Chamber, and later, Count William Slavata of Chlum and Košumberk, bought it in 1639. He built a supplementary gate with early Baroque portal and doors with artistic hammering. Later, he let to arrange the courtyard, and entrance tower was provided with cupola in Baroque style, clock and gallery. The castle obtained its characteristic brick-red face in a moment, when its roof was provided with red-burned tiles. However, in spite of the fact that Slavata Family made this radical reconstruction in Baroque style, including interior rooms, they never lived here permanently, they used it more as countryseat.
In 1693, the castle got new owner, Windischgratz Parentage, however, during their stay here, the dominion declined slowly. Change came in 1835, when castle of Červená Lhota bought Henry Eduard Schonburg-Hartenstein, Austrian Emperor´s Lord Chamberlain. He let to arrange the changes in Neo-Gothic style, the same face obtained the interiors later. At the beginning of 20th century, Neo-Renaissance reconstruction arrived.
After 1945, the castle was confiscated by state.However, Red Army stole a part of rare furniture from here. In 1949, the castle was open for public.
Opening Time Table:
Month Opening time Days Beginning of last guided tour
April 9,30 – 17,00 h on weekends only 16,00 h
May 9,30 - 17,00 h daily, except Mondays 16,00 h
July-August 9,30 - 18,00 h daily, except Mondays 17,00 h
September 9,30 - 17,00 h daily, except Mondays 16,00 h
October 9,30 - 17,00 h on weekends only 16,00 h
November-March closed daily
- Guided tour takes 50 minutes.
- Cellars are accessible only on weekends in July and August. Guided tour takes 15 minutes.
- Noon closing time of ticket office is in period of July and August since 12,00 h till 12,30 h,
- in other months since 12,00 h till 13,00 h.
- Operating time for boats rent is the same as castle opening time table.
Entrance tickets
in Czech language in foreign languages Cellars
(German, English)
Adults CZK 80,- CZK 150,- CZK 20,-
Children, students CZK 50,- CZK 80,- CZK 15,-
Pensioners CZK 60,- CZK 130,- CZK 15,-
Family Tickets CZK 200,- -- CZK 50,-
- Guided tours with explanation in foreign languages are to be granted for groups on request in advance.
- Texts in foreign languages are available in ticket office.
- Groups of foreigners with their own interpreter pay the same entrance fee as it it would be in Czech language.
- Group-leader over 25 persons has the entrance free of charge.
- Children up to six years of age have the entrance free of charge, its number has to be stated on ticket of their adult guide (limited number of persons in a group).
- Visitors´groups of children up to six years of age (kindergarden groups) pay CZK 20,- for a child.
- Family tickets are valid for two adults with three children as a maximum.
- The entrance fee is 100% higher in a periods out of official visitors´ time table.
Text: Maxim Kucer
Photo: google-earth, pruvodce.com
Localities:
Important Information:
Information and warnings on travelling abroad is to be found HERE.