CZ, Castolovice – A Piece of History in a Peaceful Place

Former medieval stronghold preceded the chateau. The town with mere two thousand people had a castle with water moat in the past, according to local chronicle. It was located around the area of the current St Vitu's church. Former residence of the founders, the lords of Castolovice, has not been preserved. The chateau came to existance as a re-do of former structure. It became in the year 1586. The ground plan was altered to a U shape back then. Every new owner altered the chateau a bit. The current chateau's look - a Renaissance-style one – is the work of the 19th and 20th century. Some facades still feature painted frescoes.

Painted cassette ceilings add to the artistic value of the chateau. Artistic value of the interiors are enhanced by furniture of different art styles, painting collections, authentic portraits of Czech kings (made during their life) and artifacts from Pompei are not the only interesting things around here. The Knight hall covers an area of 300 m². Only theh halls in the Prague Castle and the Assembly Hall at Kromeriz. A wardrobe in the wall of a roccoco salloon is one of local pecularities.

War also altered the history of the chateau as it was used as a military hospital. The Wallpapers in the Knight Hall were used as bandages for wounded.

In July 1992, the chateau became property of Frantisek Leopold Sternberg's daughter - Dita Sternberg.

On chateau ground floor, there is a cafe and exhibition spaces. The chateau is inhabitable through the entire year. Local landlord uses residential spaces. They are open to wedding guests as well. The space are heated with gas central heating and joined to public water piping. The chateau is also has access for handicaped persons.

Chateau Park

Founded in the year 1840, its current state is very different to its original. The current park covers an area of 40 hectars. It is crossed by a lime avenue, once main road. The park is crossed with gravel roads. They divide it to several sections. ornamental woods, statues, and benches add to its nooks.

U rybníka s ostrůvkem najdete altán Gloriet summer house where you may buy some food and drinks is situated close to the pond with an island. Nearby there is a playground. Wedding ceremonies take place in a rose garden featuring over 200 species of rose. Apart from fallow deer and deer, the park is home to domestic as well as foreign animals. On your walks, a peacock can join you. Rabbids run under your feet and perhaps a flock of wild ducks will fly above you.

To create and maintain such a place of peace and keep it for the future generation requiers great deal of effort and positive relation to nature. Hence, locals and visitors alike admire the local landlord greatly.

GPS: 50°07'50.0"N 16°11'12.6"E

Text and photos: Monika Babická