Krivoklat Castle

Located in the pretty Berounka region west of Prague, Krivoklat, dating back to the 12th century is one of the oldest and most important castles in the country. Originally built during the reign of Přemysl Otakar II, the castle underwent many changes during different royal owners being at one time a royal residence, a hunting lodge and a feared prison. The castle was reconstructed and saved in the 19th century under the rule of the Furstenberg family who owned the castle until 1929. There are several tours available: the first tour concentrates on the castle interiors where you will see a lovely Gothic chapel, one of the best preserved in Central Europe, Gothic sculptures and paintings, the Great Hall, a collection of intricate sleds, the extensive library with over 52,000 titles, the Furstenberg painting gallery, plus three prison chambers complete with torture instruments including an infamous Iron Maiden. The second tour concentrates on the Huderka Tower and the fortification of the castle walls. A third tour is available which focuses on the castle brewery and the supernatural ghosts that haunt this famous fortress. The lush and hilly surrounding countryside features various hiking trails and quaint villages.

Křivoklát 47, 270 23 Křivoklát, www.hrad-krivoklat.cz