Karlstejn Castle was built by Emperor Charles IV from 1348 to 1357 to safeguard the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. The most unique is the Chapel of Holy Cross with walls inlaid by semi-precious stones and gold and 128 panel paintings of saints from the workshop of Master Theodorik. These panel paintings make one of the largest collections of the Gothic panel paintings in the world.
Konopiště Castle was founded as a gothic fortress in the end of the 13th century and during the course of centuries it was several times rebuilt. In the end of 19 century the castle became the property of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, and it became to be his hunting-lodge. Several chambers were decorated with the collections inherited from the Modena's archdukes of d'Este.
Walking on flat surfaces – smooth and cobblestones, and uphill.
Duration: 8 hours. Not available on Mondays. Only during April – October, Karlstejn open in March - November and Christmas time as well.
Admisson:
Karlstejn castle: Tour 1 (Imperial Palace, Hall of Knights, Chapel of St. Nicholas, Royal Bedroom, and Audience hall) - 220 CZK adults, 120 CZK students, 20 CZK children under 6. 50-60 minutes.
Tour 2 – Holy Cross Chapel + Chapel of St. Catherine, Karel IV's own private oratory; the Church of Our Lady; and the library - 300 CZK adults, 150 CZK students, free for children under 6. 90 -100 minutes. Note: Available only June – October!, reservation ahead necessary – fee 30 CZK
Konopiste: Tour 1 (Representative and guest rooms with a hunting corridor) - 190 CZK for adults and 110 CZK for students. 50 minutes. Tour 2 (oldest part of the castle, armors, chapel, lift, library) - 190 CZK for adults and 110 CZK for students. 55 minutes. Tour 3 (Private living rooms of the Frantisek Ferdinand's family on the 3rd floor installed after authentic documentation) - 300 CZK for adults and 200 CZK students. It must be booked ahead, reservations 20 CZK. 60-70 minutes.
Interesting links: www.hradkarlstejn.cz, www.zamek-konopiste.cz
