Dukhtsov

The small town of Duchcov in the west of the Czech Republic became known to the whole world thanks to Giacomo Casanova. For the last 13 years of his life, Casanova has spent exactly here - in the Czech castle Dukhtsov

For the first time the eponymous city is mentioned in documents dating from 1207 . Almost 200 years later the first fortress appeared here . However, during the Hussite Wars it was plundered and for a long time stood the ruined . At the end of the 15th century, a new castle was being erected on the site of the fortress . The heyday of Duchcov Castle fell on 17-18 centuries . At that time, famous architects and artists reconstructed the building, a very beautiful park appeared . . Duchcov Castle took in its Nach guests such as Emperor Alexander II, composers Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Poets Goethe, Schiller

The last 13 years of his life Giacomo Casanova spent at the Czech Castle Dukhcov.

In the middle of the 20th century Duchcov Castle moved to property of the state, and for a while everyone forgot about it. In 1982, they searched for deposits of brown coal and in connection with this demolished the clinic with the chapel of the Virgin Mary. However, minerals have not been found, and modern buildings have appeared on the site of the demolished buildings.

Duchcov Castle (Czech.) The person of Kazanova is known to the whole world, but few know that he spent the last years of his life in the The Czech Republic. In 1785 he was invited to Duchcov castle owner Count Waldstein. It is interesting that it was here that Casanova wrote his book "The Story of My Life", which includes 12 volumes and 4,000 pages.

By this time a well-known lover was already tired of traveling around the world and was looking for a place where old age could be met with dignity. He had no state, more simply, he had nowhere to live. Valdstein invited him to the post of librarian. However, his duties included visiting all kinds of balls and receptions. The fact is that Casanova was a very educated person and an interesting interlocutor, spoke several languages.

In the castle Dukhtzov Casanova wrote a novel-utopia "Icosameron", historical books, as well as scientific works in chemistry, physics and philosophy.

The great Italian died sitting in a chair by the window. Today, tour guides offer all wishing men to sit in this chair. If you believe the legend, everyone who agrees to this will become as good a lover as Casanova.

Unfortunately, the tomb of Kazanova can not be found until now. The fact is that he was buried near the castle, in St. Barbara's cemetery. But after the churchyard was closed in the 19th century, the burial was postponed, but it's not known where.
Casanova did not get on with the servant of the castle. It is worth noting that the servants often did something to spite the Italian. For example, specially cooked pasta. At such moments, Casanova simply escaped from the castle. However, Count Valdstein closed his eyes to such actions of the librarian and always took it back, because he knew that he had nowhere else to go.

Of course, in addition to the things connected with the personality of Casanova, there are many interesting things in Duchcov's castle. For example, it is worth seeing the exhibition of the history of furniture development, a garden and a park next to the castle.

Practical information

Duhcov is open from April to October. Opening hours: in April from nine to 16 hours (Monday, Tuesday - closed); May and September - from nine to 17 hours (Monday - day off); June-August - from nine to 18 hours (Monday - closed); in October from 9:00 to 16:00 (Monday, Tuesday - day off)