Information
Landmark: Hluboká CastleCity: Plzen
Country: Czech Republic
Continent: Europe
Hluboká Castle, Plzen, Czech Republic, Europe
Overview
Hluboká Castle rises above the town of Hluboká nad Vltavou in southern Bohemia, its white towers gleaming against the sky, and it stands among the most breathtaking and visited castles in the Czech Republic.With its storybook turrets and centuries-old past, the castle draws travelers from all over, eager to see its moss-covered stones and hear its legends.With its striking likeness to Windsor Castle in England, elegant stonework, and rich history, this landmark demands a spot on your must‑see list.Hluboká nad Vltavou, in South Bohemia about 120 kilometers south of Prague (48.9751° N, 14.4792° E), traces its castle’s story to the 13th century, when the Vítkovci family first raised a Gothic stronghold with thick stone walls.The original structure, built mainly for defense, stood high on a hill overlooking the Vltava River and the fields beyond.In 1661, the Schwarzenberg family took over the castle.The Schwarzenbergs, among Central Europe’s oldest and most powerful noble families, shaped the castle’s fate.In the early 1800s, they launched an ambitious reconstruction, filling the air with the ring of hammers and the scent of fresh-cut stone.The old Gothic fortress became a neo-Gothic castle, its towers and stonework echoing the stately design of Windsor Castle in England.The redesign was meant to showcase the family’s wealth, their influence, and their ties to European nobility, with gilded frames gleaming in every room.In the 20th century, once the First World War ended, the Czech Republic became a republic, and the grandeur of noble estates quickly faded from prominence.After Czechoslovakia’s land reforms in the 1920s, the castle passed into state hands.During World War II, German troops occupied Hluboká, their boots echoing in its stone halls.After the war, the castle returned to public ownership, and by the late 20th century, Hluboká Castle welcomed visitors as a museum, displaying its storied past, ornate halls, and vivid artwork.Its neo-Gothic design catches the eye with steep spires and carved stonework, blending touches of Renaissance grace with Baroque grandeur.The castle’s towers, ramparts, and stone walls rise like a true medieval fortress, but step inside and you’re met with rich velvet drapes and gilded 19th‑century charm.What catches the eye first is the castle’s soaring white stone towers, their surfaces cool and smooth to the touch, framed by intricate façades.The castle’s main building rises behind a wide, still moat that mirrors its stone walls, a touch that heightens its drama.Inspired by Windsor Castle, the design embraces the romantic grandeur of Victorian architecture.Tall windows, pointed arches, and ornate spires give it a storybook silhouette.From its terraces and gardens, you can see the Vltava River winding through the countryside.Inside, rooms glow with Renaissance elegance and Baroque richness.Visitors can explore the royal suites-Grand Hall, Ballroom, Chapel, and Dining Rooms-each filled with carved oak chairs, rich tapestries, glowing paintings, and walls dressed in patterned silk, offering a vivid glimpse of the Schwarzenberg family’s aristocratic life; the castle’s library, lined with antique books, is a highlight, and the Chapel of St. John the Baptist stands out as one of its most ornate rooms.The chapel holds intricate stained-glass windows glowing with color, carved wooden altars, and lavish Baroque details that reveal the Catholic Church’s influence at the time the castle was built.Around it stretches a manicured park with English-style gardens, shaded groves, and winding paths.You’ll also find a small zoo, a still pond, and an Italian garden that heightens the site’s charm.Greenhouses and fragrant rose gardens invite visitors to linger among seasonal blooms.Inside, the castle’s rooms brim with priceless art, antique furniture, and ornate decorative pieces.Some of the castle’s standout treasures include celebrated paintings, antique clocks, richly woven tapestries, and delicate porcelain; the dining rooms shine in particular, with polished silverware catching the light beside fine china, hinting at the Schwarzenberg family’s wealth and standing.The museum at Hluboká Castle holds permanent displays on the castle’s own history, the Schwarzenbergs, and the 19th-century Czech aristocracy, while also tracing the site’s role in World War II-from its occupation by German forces to its careful restoration afterward.Visitors can join guided tours that delve into the building’s past, its architecture, and family life, wandering through grand interiors, manicured gardens, and even the hunting lodge, or opt for an audio guide in English, German, or Czech.The castle welcomes guests all year, with longer opening hours in summer.The castle closes on certain public holidays, so it’s best to check its official website for the latest hours and availability.You’ll need a ticket to get in, and prices vary by season and whether you choose the basic or extended tour.Students, seniors, children, and groups often get discounts.Just down the road, Hluboká nad Vltavou offers its own charm-old stone buildings, cozy cafés, and a slow, quiet pace.The town sits beside the Vltava River, perfect for quiet strolls along its grassy banks, while Hluboká Zoo-just a short walk from the castle-draws families and animal lovers alike.Visitors can boat, cast a line, or simply take in the water shimmering below the castle’s grand neo-Gothic towers, a striking reminder of the Czech Republic’s noble past.Hluboká Castle, with its storybook towers, ornate halls, and sweeping gardens, makes it instantly clear why it’s among the Czech Republic’s most cherished landmarks.Whether you’re drawn to history, captivated by grand architecture, or just want to wander through the quiet charm of the South Bohemian countryside, Hluboká Castle is a place you won’t forget.
