Kynžvart castle

The castle of Kynžvart is placed in a valley near to small town of Lázně (Spa) Kynžvart. The history of this town started to be noted just in second half of 13th century. King Premysl Ottokar II. established, along rocky headland border, castle Kunigeswart. Later, in coming years, many owners changed here. Till 30 years´war, there were ten aristocratic parentages at least. This last one, Tzedwitz Parenatge, let to build Renaissance stronghold in a valley below the castle. Later, the stronghold, including dominion, became a possession, (within scope of confiscation after White Hill battle), Metternich Parentage, and hold it finally, till 1945. On place of dilapidated Renaissance stronghold, the Count Philippe Emmerich let to construct Baroque chateau within 1981-1691. Anyway, during the rule (and stay) of Clement Wenzel Lothar Johann Nepomunk, second Earl von Metternich-Winnenburg, the castle was, within 1820-1839, completely re-built in style of Viennese Classicism, by well-known Peter Nobile, Italian architect, and this face we know now. Chancellor Metternich was one of most important personalities of Central Europe at that time. Within 1809-1848, he took a function of Austrian Foreign Minister, and since 1821, he became Austrian State Chancellor at the same time. Nevertheless, he did not lived for politics only, it is well-known that he loved women, too. Some authors affirm that, in time period when Austria was dominated by Napoleon, Metternich had love-affair with wives of most powerful Napoleon Generals, and one of these women was even Emperor´s daughter. There is also a legend that his darling became Princess Wilhemina Zahanska, known personality from novel „Babička“ (Grandmother).

The collections, placed in a castle, are very valuable. In castle rooms, you can see many artistic works, unique gilded kitchen utensils, valuable (expensive) furniture, exotic subjects imported from abroad, Egyptians mummies, various curious subjects, including rare personal objects, being in personal ownership of famous personalities in past.

Book collection, placed in Kynžvart Castle, belongs to most important aristocratic libraries of Czech Republic. It involves 50 thousands of books at least. As a unique piece of the library, there is to be mentioned manuscript fragment of Five Books of Moses, coming from break of 8th and 9th centuries. The part of castle´s library forms also a collection of nearly eight thousands of graphic arts, first of all of copperplates, steel-engravings and lithographies. To most valuable painting works, belong four Gothic plate altar pictures, presenting legend about St.Cross findings. This work was made by Bernhard Strigel, German painter. At the beginning of 20th centujry, there was brought from Vienna in a castle a collection of marble busts and sculpturs, the works of Anthony Canova. Main altar of castle´s chapel is made from rests of marble fragments coming from St.Peter Behind Fortification Cathedral in Rome. This altar was made by Pope Gregory XVI., especially for Chancellor Metternich. Local curious subjects´ cabinet belongs to oldest accessible museums in Europe, open for public.

Its creation is closely connected with personality of Charles Huss, last Cheb´s executioner. The other base of museum collections is formed with collections of coins, minerals and historical curious subjects. When you finish your sightseeing tour in castle, do not miss a walk through castle park. You would be surprised with its extent. The castle park was created within Neo-classic castle reconstruction. Viennese court gardener, Mr. Riel, let to excel two main axis and three dominant views from the castle. In park, there are situated marvellous ponds, picturesque snug corners, nature sandstone bathing place, but also several buildings, interesting from historical point of view. It is, first of all, monumental obelisk, arisen as an honour to Emperors of Frank I. amd Ferdinand V., the personalities, whom Metternich served to. It is worth to see wooden forest chapel of Gothic formation, placed on a hill above the castle.

When you would be full of views over all beauty of castle park, would you make an excursion towards Kynžvart Spa. You walk along spa colonnade, enjoy your views on buildings coming from 19th century, make yourselves refreshment with healing water from a couple of springs, or have a walk throughout spa alley. You can also take advantage of an excursion into Slavkov Forest, walk along educational path, via peatbog „Smraďoch“ („Stinker“), or let to be enchanted with subjugated scenery around small chateau of Kladská. Kynžvart Castle was appreciated with EUROPE NOSTRA medal in Christianborg Chateau in Copenhagen in 2002, this is the highest appreciation, as far as monumental care is concerned.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Ondřej Koníček, Karelj, č.2, Zipacna1

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