The Czech Republic is one of the most beautiful European countries. In many respects, this status was received because of the huge number of beautifully preserved castles. In the west direction from Prague is the royal castle Křivoklát, which is visited annually by thousands of tourists. It should be noted that Křivoklát has a solid history - this is one of the most mysterious castles in the Czech Republic, with many legends connected with it. In addition, scientists still can not pinpoint exactly what year Křivoklát Castle was built.

The first mention of it was as early as 1110, but the earliest masonry of the castle is the one that was made in the 13th century. That is why historians suggest that the castle, mentioned in the annals, and today's Křivoklát - are two different structures. Nevertheless, there is no unified version. Most likely, Křivoklát was founded in the 13th century by the Czech king Přemysl Otakar the First. The castle acquired a complete look under the reign of Wenceslas the First, who was very fond of hunting and often visited here. Křivoklát became a kind of castle for men: it was here that members of royal families and aristocrats came to hunt. Here they stayed for several days in a row - they rested not only on business, but sometimes at their wives, talked, enjoyed delicious beer from the local brewery and discussed hunting trophies.

Afterwards the castle was not for a long time was used and came to desolation. The hosts changed, but did not hurry to bring the building in order. Only in the 16th century Křivoklát was reconstructed and afterwards cardinally no longer changed its appearance. In 1929, the castle became the property of the state.

The excursion to the castle will be of interest to many tourists, as there is something to look at in Křivokláta . For example, here is the library of Czech kings, in which stores 53 thousand ancient books . It is worth noting that some specimens are of particular value, because they were printed with a gold needle . In the knight's hall, attention should be paid to a solid collection of weapons . In addition, there is also ka gallery . It's better for the weak-minded travelers not to go down to the basement: there are prison cells and torture instruments . Also you can see the room without windows and doors, where prisoners were left to die without water and food . In addition, there is a collection historical sled .

Legends of the castle

There are a lot of legends associated with this castle . Three of them can be called the most famous . The first one is connected with the philosopher's stone . The Emperor Rudolph II invited English alchemist Edward Kelly so that he could get a philosopher's stone for the ruler . The scientist got a laboratory and an unlimited amount of money for his experiments, but he could not get a stone . In 1591, Rudolf II realized that Kelly had nothing can not do, and directed him to Křivoklát, who at that time was used as a prison . The Alchemist spent two years imprisoned and after that agreed to conduct experiments again and work for the emperor . However, the philosopher's stone was never found, and Edward Kelly already in another prison - Gnevin's castle . In 1597 he died during an unsuccessful escape from confinement . If to believe the legend, Kelly could still get the formula of the philosopher's stone, but did not want to disclose it to Rudolf II and hid it somewhere in Кршивоклате . According to the legend, after the death of the scientist Kor he searched the whole castle, but found nothing at all .

The second legend says that pregnant women will surely hear the nightingales singing here. Tradition is due to the fact that in 1335, Blanca Valois, the wife of Charles IV, gave birth to the daughter of the Market in the castle. To thank his wife, the happy father ordered to collect all the nightingales in the district and settle them under the windows of their spouse.

Another legend relates to the name of the Guderka tower, which derives from the Czech word "hudba" ("music"). The fact is that in the 16th and 17th centuries Krivoklat was used as a prison for especially important criminals. The torture chamber was located just under the tower, and, of course, from there, infernal cries of prisoners were heard. To muffle groans, the musicians often played in the tower, and with the greatest possible loudness.

Practical information

Křivoklát works all year round. November-March - from 10 to 15 hours; April and October - until 16:00; May-June and September-until 17:00; July-August - until 18:00. The weekend is Monday, in January-March - Sunday. In November and December, the castle is open only on Saturdays and Sundays.

There are two types of entrance tickets. Inspection of the Gothic palace - 110 kroons, children under six years old - free of charge, over six years old - 80 kroons, a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) - 290 kroons. Full sightseeing tour - 190 CZK, children's ticket - 130 CZK, Family ticket - 490.

It is most convenient to buy an excursion in the agency in advance or to come by car. Getting there by public transport is more difficult, because there are no direct trains and buses from Prague. You will have to make a transfer at Beroun or in Rakovnik

All prices are in August 2013.

Křivoklát Church

Weapons collection

Fantastic Castle Křivoklát

Křivoklát Castle Library