Konopiště castle - Czech republic

KONOPIŠTĚ

Castle of Konopiště is situated in Benešov district, 45 kms distant from Prague. It was founded originally as a Gothic castle, by Bishop Tobias of Benešov.

Since time-period, when Konopiště was built, many owners changed. After Sternberg Parentage, most important became Franz Ferdinand d´Este. He bought it in 1887 and let it re-built for himself, for future Emperor, as a magnificient family seat.

In castle interiors, you can admire a lot of valuable art collections, and owing to the fact, that duke was an enthusiastic hunter, also many hunters´ trophies.

To most largest spaces in a castle belongs dining room - Lobkowitz Hall - equipped in pure Rococco style with marvellous ceiling, picturing a fresco of four seasons. Your attention will be allured by saloon called as Harem, furnished in a style of oriental tea-rooms, where only owner and friends of men-sex could enter.

An extended park with neighbouring preserve, as well as marvellous Rose Garden belong to the castle. You find here a collection of garden´s statues, imported from the town of Modena in Italy. The plans to this park and garden were made by Emperor ´s gardener Karl Mossner, and superior gardener of King Park, Karl Rozinek.

Paralelly with construction of garden and park, the reconstructions in castle´s interiors were effected, under supervision of Franz Schmoranz. The intention of both  builders was as folows: to furnish castle interiors in romantique historical forms. Despite of efforts, they could not avoid modern elements, bringing a certain comfort to owners, such as central heating, water-conduit, sewerage, electric lighting, and even personal lift. This seems to be for family rather useless, as its speed was a little snaily. Moreover, the users could have a seat in cabin to this long way for short distance.

Especially children appreciate castle´s attraction - two brown long-eared bears (black or Himalaya bears). Their names are Masha and Kasimir. They home in a moat nearby the castle. However, the animals cannot be feeded, in any case.

Further, we could not forget local hot-house. Here, it was filmed, by the way, well-known scene with miniaturs of Japanese artist of Uko Jesita (film "Joachim, throw him into the machine!"). These spaces were open for public in 1967. however, not for long time, in 1970 there were closed again. Today, (since 1995, with financial  support of Ministry of Culture) the spaces are open again. You can admire the beauty of exotic plants. In one of glass-houses, there is an artificial lake with water plants. If you have good luck, you can see even water-turtles, living there.

Guided Tours:

First Guided Tour - Castle´s saloons of southern wing. You can see representative and guest rooms with hunter´s corridor and trophies (group with  max. 25 persons). Included is sightseeing of Shooting-range

Second Guided Tour - Castle´s saloons of northern wing

You can see oldest part of castle so called Kronprinz with sitting rooms, armoured hall, chapel, lift (group with max. 25 persons). Included is sightseeing of St.George Museum

Third Guided Tour - private rooms of Duke Franz Ferdinand

You can see sitting rooms of Franz Ferdinand Family in the third floor

(group with max. 8 persons).

Text: Štěpánka Svobodová

Photo: Klára Svobodová

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