"medieval fortress overlooking Karlstejn" Karlstejn Tip by hundwalder

The vast reaching hrad ( castle ) Karlstejn is spread out over the highest densely forested hilltops overlooking the well preserved Renaissance central Bohemian city of the same name. Construction of this mighty fortress commenced in 1348, by order of the ambitous, vain, and treasury pillaging King Karluv IV ( yes the same king under whose reign many of Prague's most popular tourist sites were built and given his name ). The king declared that the primary purpose of the fortress was to house the crown jewels, the other royal treasures, and the important and guarded documents. However, the completed fortress which rivaled a small city in size, served many more functions, including defense of the region.

The castle was revamped in about 1550, from which it received its present appearance. The architectural style is very characteristic of Bohemian and Austro-Hungarian Renaissance.The semi pyramidal roofs of the towers and other buildings, as well as the half timbered great halls are common throughout the region in castles as well as free standing towers. Photo #2 is a closeup view of the great hall and primary tower. Photo #1 shows more detail of the sloping crenalated ramparts. Photo #3 shows the older buildings in the castle complex, indluding one of the medieval turrets with a coned roof. Photo #4 shows the steeples of the castle's church, protruding from behind the massive defense ramparts.

There are excellent hiking trails through the woods surrounding the castle, which afford great views of all sides of the castle and of the surrounding river valley and countryside. Admission to the castle grounds and many of its structures is free of charge, and you can enjoy them as long as you wish. There are two guided tours offered of the castle interiors, although the long tour is only offered a few times a day. The tours are not very memorable and no photography of the interiors is allowed. It is hard to say why ! The best views of the castle are from a distance and from the courtyard, such as the ones shown in my photos.

Website: http://www.hradkarlstejn.cz