"Hluboka nad Vltavou, a fairy-tale castle in CZ" Hluboka nad Vltavou by Nadia7

Hluboka nad Vltavou Travel Guide: 15 reviews and 54 photos

What a romantic castle - Hluboka nad Vltavou

One of the most beautiful Czech castles

Hluboka nad Vltavou is a romantic castle rebuilt into English Thudors gothic during 1841-1871. The whole complex is surrounded by English style park.
The Basin of Ceske Budejovice which is bordered by many lakes is dominated with huge silhouette of the Hluboka castle, built in 13th century on a hill being flown round by the river Moldau. The early gothic castle was built by the king Premysl Otakar II. The castle along with the town of Ceske Budejovice were supposed to protect the kings power over this land neighboured by Vitkovci. Reneissance appearance of the castle is known only from Willenberg's engraving from the beginning of the 17th century. After death of Premysl Otakar II. at Moravian field in 1278, the castle was empowered by Vitkovci.
In 1290 Zavis z Falkenstejna was executed on the order of his son Vaclav II. under the castle's walls. The castle belonged again to Vitkovci in 14th century but during the reign of king Charles IV the castle became again the property of the Crown.

Schwarzenbergs Coat of Arms

Can you see the raven and the Turk in the emblem?

Jan Adolf I. Schwarzenberg bought the castle from Baltazar's inheritors At the beginning of 18th century Schwarzenberg's family had the medieval castle rebuilt into a confortable chateau (architects Pavel Ignac Bayer and Antonin Erhard Martinelli). The Schwarzenbergs belonged among the most significant noble families in the Czech lands.
The original heraldic emblem of the family was just silver and blue stripes. Another significant personage of the family was the count Adolf who conquered Raab, a Turkish fortress. In memory of this battle, he included the head of a Turk with a raven pecking out its eye into his coat-of-arms.
Can you see the raven and the Turk there? Left corner...

Going inside the Castle

The Castle Court with parget heads of stags

Today's appearance comes from the reconstruction hold during 1841-1871, made according the project of Wien's architect Frantisek Beer. Later the construction was directed by Damas Deworecky. The reconstruction took almost 30 years. Outbuildings which did not fit dignity of the chateau were destroyed. The baroque chateau was rebuilt into romantic castle in English Thudors gothic style. New green-house for winter garden and riding school were built. The whole complex was surrounded by English style park.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A breath-taking experience, you have to see the interiors as well
Cons:You won´t be happy to leave the Castle!
In a nutshell:Windsor style chateau surrounded by the woods and lakes

Intro Written Apr 1, 2008
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Reviews (6)

The raven picking out an eye of the Turk - Hluboka nad Vltavou

Symbol of victory Things to Do (4)

The Schwarzenbergs embleme consists of four fields, the forth field is adorned with Turk's head with raven in... more travel advice

Window of the Castle - Hluboka nad Vltavou

Looking for details (Castle) Things to Do (4)

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One of the Castle gates - Hluboka nad Vltavou

Different gates (The Castle) Things to Do (4)

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The Castle Court with parget head of stags - Hluboka nad Vltavou

Ornaments are everywhere in the Castle Things to Do (4)

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Sports & Outdoors (1)
What about golfing there?

Transportation (1)
Go by bus or rent a car

Comments (3)

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globetrott Jul 13, 2008 at 6:15 AM

an interesting castle and also maybe the most interesting door-handle in the universe !
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BarryAir Apr 28, 2008 at 8:25 PM

Just when you think you have seen all the wonders, then again you will be amazed!!!!! Barry in Louisiana (disaster area)
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marco2005 Apr 17, 2008 at 6:45 AM

"picking out an eye of the Turk"... you really know how to celebrate!! :-D (nice pics indeed) ciao. marco