Houska castle and chateau
Houska castle and chateau
Houska Castle is situated on high rocky formation, placed on border of Kokořín area. In 9th century, there was established here some wooden construction. Pšov-Parentage let this construction re-built and made stone stronghold. Slavibor, Duke of Pšovan Tribes, gave it as a gift to his son, his name was Houska. At the end of 13th century, Premysl Ottokar II. decided that he would construct here a castle. So, Houska presented a centre of vast area, before Bezděz Castle was built. Originally, the castle was consisted of two parts. Back part was made by three palace wings, and back wing was formed with imposing chapel. On its entrance part, the courtyard was closed with fortification only. In the corner, powerful four-edge tower there was arisen, however, it does not exist any more.
Gothic character of the castle satisfied owners till 16th century when artillery started its development. This fact meant that there was necessary to make some arrangements in the castle (construction of outside fortification. However, it was demolished in 17th century). At the end of 16th century, Houska was re-built into Renaissance chateau. Within range of these arrangements, there were made frescos in early Gothis hall of eastern wing. The chateau undergone other arrangement within 19th century. This fact is deocumented with pictures made by Kerel Hynek Mácha. Later, the building started to be neglected, so the chateau had to be restored in 1930. German army troops besieged the castle in the course of 2nd World War. When the war was over, and the chateau was nationalized, Archive of Klementinum State Library was placed here. Later, in 1999, the chateau was open for publuc finally.
Opening time table
April: on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 - 17:00 h
May: Tuesdays-Sundays: 10:00 - 17:00 h
June: Tuesdays-Sundays: 10:00 - 17:00 h
July: Tuesdays-Sundays: 10:00 - 18:00 h + night guided tours on Saturdays at 21:00 h
August: Tuesdays-Sundays: 10:00 - 18:00 h + night guided tours on Saturdays at 21:00 h
September: Tuesdays-Sundays: 10:00 - 17:00 h
October: on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 - 17:00 h
Remarks:
- The castle is closed on Mondays. Before you visit the chateau, would you read information on official web-sites, if some company´s action is taken place, and the building is closed for public. Last guided tour starts always one hour before end of open tiime period.
- Except open time period, there is possible to settle by phone a term of visit with castellan. The sightseeing is effected alway with a guide and takes 40 minutes. Maximum allowed quantity of visitors for guided tour: it is 60 persons.
Entrance fee:
Full Adults CZK 50,-
Reduced Children up to 15 years of age, pensioners, invalides CZK 30,-
Family ticket 2 adults and 2 children max. CZK 140,-
Night sightseeings CZK 70,-
Text: Maxim Kucer
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Important Information:
Information and warnings on travelling abroad is to be found HERE.