Sights of the Czech Republic: Konopiste

Just 50 kilometers southeast of Prague, at the town of Beneshov (Bene&# 353; OV, Czechs give his name like Bennes), lies another world-famous castle complex – Konopiste (Konopiste), belonging to Sternberk.

It was built in the XIII century in the Gothic style, but in the future several times reconstructed and rebuilt. His name is firmly associated with the name of Ersgertzog Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Habsburg throne, killed in Sarajevo in 1914. It was he who radically rebuilt this complex, turning it into a fairly modern building with sewage, elevator and electricity.

Now, within the framework of an organized tour (125 CZK), it is possible to inspect the mechanical shooting gallery, luxurious Renaissance cabins, a collection of Maissen porcelain, a chapel, a collection of hunting trophies (Franz Ferdinand was literally preserved on the hunt – in his "Shuss-sheet" It is noted about 180 thousand animals and birds raised by him for 18 years!), one of the best collections of old weapons in Europe, as well as a wonderful castle park – and this is more than 555 acres of well-kept green zone with a small lake, a rosary, a camp for deer, several greenhouses and a sculpture assembly. And within the framework of the specialized watch tour (200 CZK, a group of no more than eight people) can be visited by the personal relatives of the Archduke and his wife.

The castle is open to visit April and October on Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 15:00, on Saturday and Sunday – from 9:00 to 16:00; From May to August – from Thursday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00; In September – on Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 16:00, on Saturday and Sunday – from 9:00 to 17:00; In November – on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 15:00.

Reviews and studies of trips

Dreamland

Wonderful locks from Czech fairy tale films are not scenery: about two thousand medieval castles and fortresses have been preserved on the territory of a small country. Read more →

Alice2015 | Autumn 2014

About Konopiste, Franz Ferdinand and Nizoloys

The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne Franz Ferdinand loved hunting. Instead of doing state affairs, or at least prepare for them – he hunted. Read more →

Padunskiy | April 2012

Konopiste

The castle is a bulk collection of works of art of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, as well as a large number of hunting and combat weapons, hunting trophies and armor. Read more →