Karlštejn Castle
Karlštejn is a tourist landmark that’s generally known all over the world. The majestic castle, built in the Middle Ages by Charles IV, gained its present iconic appearance during the reconstruction in the latter part of the 19th century.
The castle construction began in 1348 on the order of the Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV. The site was chosen near Prague on a limestone rock promontory in the heart of the Bohemian Karst, which was located near the outlet of a deep valley into the Berounka River. The first stage of the castle’s construction was probably completed as early as 1355, and from that time the emperor himself stayed at the castle and supervised further construction work and interior ornamentation, especially of the castle chapels. The castle was fully completed 10 years later when the Chapel of the Holy Cross in the Great Tower was consecrated.
The famous Gothic castle was gradually built by Charles IV as a place for storing royal treasures, especially collections of holy relics and imperial crown jewels. The Holy Cross Chapel, established in the main tower as the most secure place in the castle, was intended as the main treasury and a place of devotion to the Christian faith. The chamber was ornamented with a decoration of gems and gold with 130 panel paintings. He painted saints in his paintings who were to guard the royal treasure. 129 of these paintings have survived to this day.
During the Hussite wars at the beginning of the 15th century, the Czech crown jewels were transported to Karlštejn and remained there with short breaks for almost 200 years, until the Estates Uprising in 1619.
The castle has undergone reconstruction several times in the past. Soon after its foundation, in 1480, there were late Gothic modifications, in the middle of the 16th century Renaissance modifications on the order of Emperor Rudolf II himself. However, the most significant of these was not carried out until the 19th century. According to the plans of the well-known architect Josef Mocker, the castle was reconstructed in the spirit of purism, i.e., to its original Gothic form in the contemporary concept of the late 19th century.
At the moment, the castle is accessible all year round within several sightseeing tours. Among the most admired rarities that can be seen during the tours are the Holy Cross Chapel, the original wall decorations from the 14th century, the largest portrait gallery of Czech monarchs and a replica of St. Wenceslas’ crown on display.
