Karlstejn (Karlštejn) Castle is King Charles IV (1316-1378) original Gothic home. Founded in 1348, the castle served the King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire. It was a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia and the Bohemian Crown Jewels as well as holy relics and other royal treasures.
Karlstejn is among the most famous and most frequently visited castles in the Czech Republic. And it’s not hard to understand why. The Castle, featuring architectural highlights such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Great Tower, the Well Tower and Imperial Palace are stunning. Plus, the cultural significance and UNESCO recognition put Karlstejn firmly on my tourist trail.
Arriving in Karlstejn from Prage, we park the car and walk through the small town and up the hill. It’s early and already busy and we line up for tickets and join a tour group.
Entering the castle is inspiring. Its perch on top of the rocky outcrop overlooking the town and surroundings is both breathtaking and a little intimidating. I try to imagine standing here 700 odd years ago. It’s not that hard.
The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace extends over a number of floors and contains valuable furnishings from the 14th–19th centuries. This served as the residence of Charles IV and his court. With beautifully decorated halls and chambers, the furnishings and historic artifacts are displayed in rooms such as the Courtiers Hall, Knights Hall (with the St. Nicholas Chapel), Karlštejn Castle Deanery, Emperor´s Bedchamber (with the St. Wenceslas Chapel), Audience Hall, Royal Hall of Ancestors and the Banquet Hall.
The most famous and sacred part of the castle, adorned with semi precious stones and gold, is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This chapel houses a collection of 129 Gothic panel paintings by the Master Theodoric, making it a stunning gallery of medieval art. It’s so beautiful with its shining gold leaf and intimate vaulted ceiling design. The chapel also once served as the repository for the crown jewels, although now these have their own Castle Treasury where St. Wenceslas Crown (copy) can be viewed. It feels a bit astonishing to imagine
The Great Tower is the highest and most fortified part of the castle. It features a stairway with original medieval wall painting decoration and from the top, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The well, in the Well Tower, was an essential feature of all medieval castles, providing water in times of siege. This one, noteworthy for its deep well, extends nearly 80 meters underground and boasts a unique medieval water wheel.
A quiet moment can be enjoyed in the Marian Tower Courtyard, while the second floor of the Marian Tower contains the Church of the Virgin Mary and the St. Catherine Chapel. Karlštejn Castle Treasury and a former castle prison are located on the ground floor of the Marian Tower.
Afterwards we enjoy lunch in town before heading on to Krivoklat Castle.
Good To Know
Karlštejn Castle remains a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a testament to the vision of Charles IV. It’s part of the very fabric of the Czech Republic’s history and both the visit itself and the scenery along the way make it a worthwhile excursion from Prague.
Check website for opening times and ticketing.
Would I Return?
Yes.