Konopiště Chateau

KONOPIŠTĚ

Originally an Early Gothic Castle built in around 1300 in the style of French castles. Architectural changes on a larger scale were first carried out at the beginning of the 17th century and in the 18th century the castle was gradually converted into a charming Renaissance chateau, laid out with beautiful rose gardens, an English park and a lake. In 1887 Chateau Konopiště became the property and the representative seat of the successor to the Austrian-Hungarian throne, Franz Ferdinand d'Este (assassinated in 1914 in Sarajevo). The unique valuable collections inside the chateau include historical weapons, furniture, sculptures, hunting trophies etc. – open to the public daily except Mondays – advance group reservations are essential – there are three main routes round the chateau: a/ staterooms & halls, collections etc. b/ the oldest part of the castle (guest apartment, historical weapons, hunting trophies, library etc.) c/ private rooms of Frantisek Ferdinand D' Este and his family – each route lasts between 45 to 60 minutes + possibility to see: – Shooting range of Frantisek Ferdinand – collection of St. George