Leaving Karlovy Vary behind us, we are on the road to Hluboká nad Vltavou and its stunning Chateau amidst the rivers, forests and fields of Southern Bohemia. Actually, our destination is Cesky Krumlov but after a few hours in the car we are ready to stretch our legs and as calm our nerves. So a short stop in at the State Chateau of Hluboká fits the bill nicely.
Our nerves are due to the very narrow and very windy Czech roads and not assisted by the speed and daring of the Czech drivers. Jason is doing a pretty good job, particularly as we are on the right (read: our wrong!) side of the road. Nevertheless I have been on the edge of my seat the whole time. The break will do us good and not long after pulling up at the Hluboká Chateau, the hairy drive has been forgotten. All thoughts give way to this romantic castle with its English – Tudor, Gothic style facade. And that is only the beginning of the tale…
Hluboká Chateau
Built in the latter half of the 13th century as a royal castle for the Bohemian Crown, the castle served as the home of several notable noble families including the Pernštejn family, the Malovec family and the Schwarzenberg family. In fact, it was the Schwarzenbergs who, during the 19th Century, gave the building the romantic facade that it is known for today.
Perched on a promontory above the Vltava River, the castle is crowned with crenellations and surrounded by a dainty garden on the outside. Inside, our tour passes through the Schwarzenberg’s ceremonial chambers, where walls and ceilings are richly decorated with woodcarvings. The private apartments of Duchess Leonora and the ornate reception rooms boast paintings by some of the great European masters. There are elaborate chandeliers, stained glass embellishments and precious pottery from Delft. In the basement, the chateau kitchen is large and unique. Nevertheless, it would have struggled, serving guests in the grandiose dining room which seats up to 72 people. And a walk through the armoury provides a sobering contrast as to the price at which such luxury comes.
Gardens & Surrounds
Prince Jean Adolf II. Schwarzenberg’s trips to Great Britain inspired the grounds, including the park and surrounding landscape. There, in 1838 as a representative of a wealthy and important family, he participated in the coronation of Queen Victoria. Indeed even the facade of the building takes its inspiration from Windsor Castle.
The grisly image of the Schwarzenberg’s family crest – a crow pecking the eyes from a Turk’s head – does little to tarnish an intimate stroll around the picturesque gardens. Actually, the castle grounds and the adjacent parklands offer much more to discover. Both facilitate lots of idyllic walks. However for today our legs and nerves have recovered enough to continue on to discover Cesky Krumlov.
Good To Know
A stunning little village with the chateau as its crowning glory. Note the seasonal opening hours and Monday closure.
Would I Return?
Yes.
