CZ, Krivoklat Castle: 900 Years of Tradition - VIDEO
Published: 16.9.2014
Krivoklat – another obligatory stop if you will for any real tourist. For couple of centuries the castle is a gem in the protected landscape area of Krivoklatsko. It offers many things to its visitors, year round. This year Krivoklat celebrates 900 years since the first written mention about it.
The land in the region of Rakovnik that seems like corrugated iron. It demonstrates that its landmark, Krivoklat Castle, is unique in a way. Compared to Karlstejn, one of the most popular sights in the Czech Republic, Krivoklat looks like a clumsy silly billy.
Connection between Krivoklat and Karlstejn is Charles IV
To compare these works of architecture is not fair even though they are of similar age. They are related through a lifespan of one human life and its work. A small prince Wenceslas, later Charles IV connects both castle. As mere four months old baby he spend there several weeks and three years as already three year old boy. Then he did not understand intrigues veiled in high politics. He didn’t even understand why his own father John of Luxembourg took him away from his mother. She allegedly wanted to took power from John and rule over the country. Charles IV grow up on the castle and even his first daughter was born there.
Krivoklat or its present form, was built in the 1300s. Kosmas in 1110 already mentioned some building similar to the castle, yet archeology as science based on hard evidence placed Krivoklat to the 13th century. For classic tourist not a historian, it is enough. Lets be honest. Who remembers old dates?
It is hard to find story for the date is so old. However, we can tell you a lot more on reason why Krivoklat was built. Premysl Otakar I or Wenceslas I had an idea to rebuilt the construction that stood on later castle’s place. Monumental building standing on a rocky cliff took decades to complete. A complex work of architecture was built there. Due to the length of construction it was influenced by several styles. The distinct part of Krivoklat is the circular Romanesque residential tower. At the bottom it is protected by massive fortification.
Krivoklat from many angles
Krivoklat is one of the oldest and most important medieval castles of Czech dukes and princes. To its visitors it offers a couple of guide tours. Three of them with a guide. In those tours visitors could explore the castle from the basement to the attic. Another four tours take from three to eight kilometers. They show the castle from different and more distant point of view. Handicaped people on wheelchair and families with strollers can get there really easy.
The town of Rakovník, with its sixteen thousands of inhabitants, has a smiling history which could open, even at present, a bit of truth about Czech nation. From this reason, Zikmund Winter, writer, gave the town a part of his life.
It is winter again and this is the sadder half of the year for us as tourists. The vast majority of tourist attractions, including monuments, are closed. However, we found some exceptions between castles and chateaux that will welcome you all year round. And we guarantee that a winter visit will be more of an experience than a summer visit.
In my opinion, the region of Křivoklát is one of the most beautiful corners of our country. However, by far it doesn't consist only of Křivoklát Castle itself, but a large portion of its charm makes the local deciduous forests, the Berounka Valley and the landmarks that the area hides. One of the places worth visiting is the village of Nižbor thanks to the castle and its surroundings. Let's go to it together.
Beroun is easily accessible from Prague or from Plzeň. Thus in time when it is considered modern to live outside a big city, Beround becomes favorite plays for Prague “fugitive”. It is around 30 kilometers from Prague and it is well connected with the metropolis. To Plzeň it is about 75 kilometers from Beroun.
This place, which covers mere 4 square kilometers, is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Central Europe. Some say that only Karlstejn or ancient Tetin are better.
The Ded lookout tower stands on a forested quartz hill in the area of Křivoklátská vrchovina, which has been an object of interest for hikers since time immemorial.
Zbecno is a small village situated on the meander of the central river Berounka in the district of Rakovnik. It lies on the Beroun-Rakovnik railway line, so the train connection is one of the modes of available transport. Berounka is also a river of boats, so you can stop in Zbecno not only in the kiosk on the shore, but also take a tour at the homestead.
Would you like to make a trip into beautiful nature while learn something on Czech history. Go to the town of Tetin near Beroun. The legend has it that the daughter of Krok had her seat there. Also, the princess St Ludmila was murdered there.
Primarily tourists visit Zbiroh, a magical place between Brdske forests and beautiful nature of Krivoklat, to visit a castle. We will take you to Zbiroh Castle as well.
Berounka-river is not too interesting for watermen, it is calm flow which could even let asleep a Prince who would like to set free "The Sleeping Beauty". So, you cannot expect a lot of adrenalin experience. On the other hand, the river is very beautiful!
At the foot of Křivoklát forests in the undulating landscape of the remains of one of the oldest castles in the Czech Republic - ruins of a Žebrák castle. On the same ridge, only a little higher bask Točník castle, the younger of two inseparable allies.
You may have experienced a party on a steamer. But did you know you can rent entire train? Are you looking for an unusual place for a wedding? Are you planning a company event, teambuilding, or you simply want to surprise your business partner by some unusual presentation? Rent a steamer or even a train!
What unusual is happening at this castle? It is simply haunted. Do you know already? Krakovec castle is well-known for Knight Brtnik of Brtnik, a character from a movie. However, the castle was built in the deep forests near Rakovnik more than 600 years ago. It also played a role in the life of important historical characters such as Jan Hus.
Do you enjoy adventure, Czech history, and gorgeous and charming nature? Then let me invite you dense forests of Krivoklat around the Berounka river where once important castle Tyrov used to be. The land fulfills my idea about heaven on earth in any given season of the year.