Duktsi Castle. Pearl of South Bohemia
The most fertile country in Europe in terms of tourism is the Czech Republic. There are no seas or oceans here, but few would not dream of spending a weekend in this amazing beautiful country. The beautiful castles and palaces of the Czech Republic are the first place tourists flock to. We decided to tell you about some castles.
Symbol of the Czech Republic Prague Castle
The symbol of the Czech Republic and the residence of the Czech kings, Prague Castle was founded in the ninth century. As the largest of the currently operating palace complexes, it is included in the Guinness Book. You need to spend several days to see at least its main attractions. Rare historical documents, priceless works of artistic geniuses, and Christian relics are collected here. Each architectural structure of the City is a masterpiece of architectural thought. Its dominant feature, the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, is one of the most valuable religious buildings in the world. It is this palace ensemble that places Prague among the most beautiful cities peace.
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Pearl of South Bohemia
In their beauty, the best castles of the Czech Republic compete with English and French palaces and even surpass them. Above the small town of České Krumlov, as in the picture, rises a fabulously beautiful castle, rich in history. This is not just a castle, but also a fortress with powerful fortifications. Each of the courtyards is a creation worthy of the title of masterpiece. And the castle theater is one of the few similar buildings that have survived to this day in its original form.
The luxurious park of Krumlov spreads over seven hectares. In one of the most scenic spots a modern theater with a rotating auditorium was built. The lawns of the park serve as the stage for grandiose performances.
Krumlov was built in the 12th century. Behind every door there lives a legend. The most famous is about the White Lady, they say she predicts the future. Whoever sees her smiling and wearing white gloves will be lucky. But sadness on the face and red or black gloves predict trouble. Every castle has its own ghost, but Krumlov has too many of them - each legend is more magical than the other.
Czech Windsor
In the category of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic, the championship is confidently held by Hluboká Castle. It is located near Ceske Budajovice, stands on a rocky cliff and is a magnificent copy of Windsor Palace. “Amazing!” exclaims everyone who sees this masterpiece of architectural creation for the first time. The owners of the castle, the Schwarzenberg princes, were fabulously rich. On their estates, and most of all in Hluboka, they collected the best works of artistic geniuses.
And the dining gallery of the castle was so elegant that even royalty considered it an honor to be invited to dinner. Luxurious tables were set in the midst of blooming camellias and other plants of rare beauty. The castle restaurant still serves ancient dishes cooked in copper cauldrons. The atmosphere of the hall was also preserved. The palace itself has been the National State Museum since 1947.
In the footsteps of Casanova
Mentioned by us most beautiful castles The Czech Republic is famous for its luxury. There are also more modest, but no less famous palaces. Dux Castle in Bohemia, the residence of the counts of Wallenstein, has a rich collection of paintings, porcelain, and hunting weapons. But it is famous for the fact that it spent fourteen recent years life of the famous Giacomo Casanova. Here the hero-lover wrote his “erotic Eliad” - “Memoirs”.
He met the owner of the palace in Paris. They were united by a love for women, a passion for the occult and adherence to the ideas of Freemasonry. The count invited his friend to become his personal librarian - for the smartest man of his era this offer was humiliating. But by that time Casanova had squandered all his wealth, so he agreed.
The nobility of that time gathered at Dux Castle. Mostly in order to read “that very book”. But many came to listen to Casanova himself, who knew closely the brightest representatives of the European aristocracy, famous thinkers and minds of that time.
Favorite place of Franz Ferdinand
Konopiste Castle can hardly be called very beautiful. He is rather the most ordinary. But the palace is famous for the fact that until his last day there lived a man whose death turned the whole world upside down. It had much more serious consequences than the passing of the heir to one of the most important European thrones.
Franz Ferdinand valued this place. Here he indulged in his favorite hobby - hunting. Here he spent years with his beloved woman. A confirmed bachelor fell in love with his governess, Countess Sofia Chotek. Despite the protests of his family, he married her. Three children were born from this marriage. Once, while hunting in the vicinity of Konopiste, Franz Ferdinand met an old woman who predicted the prince’s violent death. The prediction came true on June 28, 1914. Happy, loving spouses died from a bullet from a revolutionary student.
We only talked about five castles in the Czech Republic. And they are in a country that has preserved its historical heritage, more than two thousand. The history of each such place is shrouded in legends. All the castles and palaces of the Czech Republic are worthy of being the topic of a separate article. You can become its author.
The famous Giacomo Casanova lived his last 13 years in the small Czech town of Duchtsov. Count Joseph Karl von Wallstein hired him as a library keeper in his castle Dux. They had similar interests: he was also a Freemason, a Kabbalist and an avid traveler, like Giacomo Casanova.
However, life in the Bohemian castle did not please Casanova too much: the count sometimes ignored him at the table and did not introduce him to important guests - perhaps because of the difference in age and position. The servants felt this, and when Count Waldstein left the castle (often and for a long time - he loved to travel), they treated Casanova very badly, letting him know that he was illegally occupying his position.
The castle library and secret room where Giacomo Casanova writes his memoirs...
The film “Memoirs of Casanova” was shot about this period, where Peter O’Toole plays the main character. The film, however, was not filmed in Dux Castle, but in vain.
Castle in the film "Memoirs of Casanova"
In the picture we see some kind of gray castle with round towers, stone walls and floors inside. The real Wallenstein castle, where Giacomo Casanova lived, was completely different - several 2-3-story buildings, located in the letter P, with parquet floors and quite cozy rooms.
What's interesting is that it was pretty well equipped for that time. For example, the stoves, the main part of which were located in the master's chambers, had doors in the corridors, and there were also boxes for firewood in the walls. Thus, servants could light the stoves without disturbing the masters or carrying dirt into the rooms. The billiard room was lit by candles, but special candlesticks had reflectors so that the light fell on the billiard table.
In general, Czech castles are interesting not only for their beautiful architecture, but also for their engineering devices...
In the Dux castle, the only soul who treated Giacomo Casanova well was a young maid. Probably, it was she who was his muse in his declining years - in this castle he wrote 42 books, including the memoir “The Story of My Life” in 12 volumes in French.
Scene from the film "Memoirs of Casanova"
Giacomo Casanova died at the age of 73 - not bad for a nomadic and wild life and the level of medicine at that time! He was multifaceted: lawyer and cleric, military man and violinist, swindler and pimp, gourmet and business man, diplomat and spy, politician and doctor, mathematician, philosopher and kabbalist, playwright and writer. Who did he really feel like?
You can ask him about this: every year, on the first weekend of June, the “Return of Casanova” festival is held in Duchtsov.
For some reason, Giacomo Casanova returns to his castle from Teplice by steam locomotive.
An ancient steam locomotive, smoking black smoke, brings 2-3 trailers to the old station in Duchtsov. While still on the train, Casanova walks around the carriages, treats children to sweets and talks with people. He is accompanied by that same kind maid from the castle and his mistress, whom he was waiting for, but did not wait for in the Duchtsov castle.
At the station he is met by people, a cannon fires, an orchestra plays, and Giacomo Casanova, accompanied by his ladies, goes to the castle.
Well, near the castle there are already tents set up with various goodies and souvenirs, a stage has been built for musical performances and many, many interesting attractions, competitions and other things for children and adults...
In the north of the Czech Republic, near the Czech resort of Teplice, is located Duchcov Castle, which is made in Baroque style. It was built in the 13th century and belonged to the Wallenstein family. In the 16th century, the residence was completely rebuilt and took on the appearance of a luxurious palace complex. Architectural ensemble was built according to the design of Matei Jean Baptiste. M. Brown and W. Rainer worked on the facades of the building. Schiller, Goethe, and also Beethoven stayed in this castle.
The Duchtsov palace complex is famous for housing Giacomo Casanova within its walls. While in the castle, he wrote memoirs on erotic themes, so he was considered a great lover. Connoisseurs wax figures can admire the figure of Casanova.
In Duchtsovsky Castle, tourists are provided with exhibition halls in which various exhibitions are presented. The chair in which Casanova sat stands out especially beautifully in front of visitors to the castle. The great memoirist died in the same chair. The bedroom and furnishings of the castle have been preserved with great historical accuracy.
Schedule
September-March:
Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00-17:00
June August:
Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00-18:00
October, April:
Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00-15:00
Ticket price:
Adult: 120
CZK
Child: 80
CZK
Children under 6 years old - free
How to get to the castle
Address: home Republiky 202/9, 419 01 Duchcov
GPS: 50.602222,13.744167
Telephone: +420 417 835 301
By car
To Czech palace ensemble Duchtsov can be reached by private car. From Prague to the castle the distance is approximately 90 kilometers. By car you need to take the E442 highway (13). This road indicates the direction to Chomutov and Ostrov. After the car has traveled 90 kilometers, you need to turn left onto highway 252 towards Hostomice and Duchcov. You have to drive about five kilometers along this road. You can park your car right next to the castle. Traveling by bus to Duchcov Castle is tiring and unprofitable, since you need to make four transfers along the way.
By train
The most convenient way to go to the Czech castle Duchcov is by train. The travel time of any train varies within two hours. The cost of a train ticket is 140 CZK. You can get to Duchtsov Castle from the central railway station Prague. The Prague-Duchtsov train (R615) departs at 08.20 via Usty and Karlovy Vary. The train's final stop is not far from the palace complex in the town of Duchtsov. From the station to the castle you need to walk (about 2 kilometers) or drive local transport(minibuses, taxis). Additionally, there is a train that travels in the evening. The Prague-Duchtsov train (R609) departs from platform three at 17.25. Arrives in Duchtsov at 19.30. The fare for this train is 155 CZK.
Visit Czech castle Duchtsov, and you will be pleased with such a tourist site. Getting to the castle is easy and simple!
: 50°36′08″ n. w. / 13°44′39″ E. d.50.60222° N. w. 13.74417° E. d. / 50.60222; 13.74417 (G) (I) Duchtsovsky Palace-Castle (German), Dux Dux
It arose in the 13th century as a fortification of the Grabišić feudal lords. In the 16th century, the Lobkowitzes built a Renaissance palace on the site of the castle, which was inherited by the Wallensteins in the mid-17th century. Jean Baptiste Matei, who had already built Troy Castle near Prague, was invited to rebuild the residence in the Baroque style. He not only built a new manor house, but also designed outbuildings, a hospital building and a regular park. Such prominent masters as Matthias Bernard Braun and Wenzel Lorenz Rainer worked on the decoration of the Wallenstein residence in the 18th century.
Duchtsovsky Castle is famous mainly because the adventurer Giacomo Casanova spent his old years there as a library caretaker. It was here that his famous memoirs were written. After the Battle of Kulm, Emperor Alexander I stayed in the castle. In the 19th century, both the palace and the park underwent significant alterations. In 1921, the Waldsteins ceded the estate to the state.
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An excerpt characterizing Duchtsovsky Castle
Helen understood that the matter was very simple and easy from a spiritual point of view, but that her leaders made difficulties only because they feared how the secular authorities would look at this matter.And as a result, Helen decided that it was necessary to prepare this matter in society. She aroused the jealousy of the old nobleman and told him the same thing as the first seeker, that is, she posed the question in such a way that the only means of obtaining rights to her was to marry her. The old important personage was at first just as amazed by this proposal to marry from a living husband as was the first young person; but Helen’s unshakable confidence that it was as simple and natural as a girl getting married had an effect on him too. If even the slightest signs of hesitation, shame or secrecy had been noticeable in Helen herself, then her case would undoubtedly have been lost; but not only were these signs of secrecy and shame absent, but, on the contrary, she, with simplicity and good-natured naivety, told her close friends (and this was all of Petersburg) that both the prince and the nobleman had proposed to her and that she loved both and was afraid of upsetting him and another.
A rumor instantly spread throughout St. Petersburg, not that Helen wanted to divorce her husband (if this rumor had spread, many would have rebelled against such an illegal intention), but a rumor directly spread that the unfortunate, interesting Helen was at a loss about which of the two should she marry? The question was no longer to what extent this was possible, but only which party was more profitable and how the court would look at it. There were indeed some stubborn people who did not know how to rise to the heights of the question and saw in this plan a desecration of the sacrament of marriage; but there were few of them, and they were silent, the majority were interested in questions about the happiness that befell Helen, and which choice was better. They didn’t talk about whether it was good or bad to marry a living husband, because this question, obviously, had already been decided for people smarter than you and me (as they said) and to doubt the correctness of the solution to the question meant risking showing one’s stupidity and inability live in the light.
Duchtsov Castle is located in the small town whose name it bears. The fortress is firmly associated with the name of the world famous adventurer - Giacomo Casanova. Most of the exhibits in the castle are dedicated to him. In addition, while visiting Duchtsov, tourists can learn the history of the creation of its exclusive furniture, enjoy a walk through the garden and park, which were planted during the construction of the castle.
DescriptionDuchtsovsky Castle was built in the 13th century. Three centuries later, the fortress was dismantled and a new building was erected in its place. luxurious palace in the Renaissance style. When the castle came into the possession of the Wallenstein family, it was decided to change its style to Baroque. This took a lot of time. At the same time, a hospital was built along with the master’s house, french park and many outbuildings.
What to see?Duchtsov Castle is known not only as an architectural landmark, but also as a last refuge Casanovas. Many tourists visit Duchtsov precisely because of its famous guest. At 60 years old, Giacomo Casanova was a man with a rich biography, but absolutely poor. He had neither housing nor valuable property. The Italian was sheltered by Count Waldstein, the owner of the Duchtsovsky castle. Casanova held the position of librarian. The palace and its gardens inspired Giacomo, and he took up creativity. During the 13 years he spent in the castle, he wrote the multi-volume “The Story of My Life,” a novel scientific works in physics, chemistry and philosophy. Many manuscripts can be seen among the museum exhibits. Also in the collection there is:
During the tour, the guide tells stories and legends about Giacomo, and especially about how difficult life was for him in this castle. The servants immediately disliked him and found hundreds of ways to ruin his life. For example, cooks often overcooked pasta, which significantly spoiled the Italian’s mood. Guests of the castle, on the contrary, happily communicated with the erudite and charming Casanova. By the way, attending all events was, according to the agreement with Waldstein, his responsibility.
In addition to items related to the favorite of women, you can see other interesting items in the fortress. The walls of Duchtsov are hung with works of artists of the 15th-18th centuries, who at one time also visited the castle. It is worth visiting the room with unique furniture, looking at which you can trace the history of the development of furniture in Europe. After a tour of the castle, tourists are invited to take a walk through the garden and park.
Interesting Facts
Part of the castle territory is occupied by modern buildings. This is due to the fact that in 1982 the administration was looking for mineral deposits in the territory of Duchtsov. For this purpose, the old hospital and chapel were demolished. New houses were built in their place.
The fate of Casanova's buried body is also interesting. Initially, he was buried in the cemetery next to Duchtsovsky Castle, but after it was closed, the remains were moved to another place. Despite close attention to Giacomo's life, the grave has not yet been found.
How to get there?
The city of Duchtsov is located in the Czech Republic, 100 km from, they are connected by state road No. 8. You need to follow it to the town of Rehlovice, then turn onto the E442 highway in a westerly direction. Near the town of Hostomice you need to take route 258, which will take you to Duchcovo Castle.