Chlum (zámek, Hartmanice) Chateau

Welcome. You're standing in front of Chlum Chateau at Hartmanic, and you've just put your headphones on, so right now your own sound check of this place is starting. Look around you and look at the building in front of you. It is a rectangular building with a Mansard roof, which is covered with bobbies and decorated with halves. It is this roof with characteristic halves that is one of the most interesting elements that you can view closely. Now let's move on to the time when this lock was created to understand why this complex has such a unique atmosphere and why it is worth paying attention to.

Chlum Chateau was founded in the first half of the eighteenth century, which means that its history dates back to a time when Baroque architecture enjoyed great popularity among noble families in our territory. The first written mention of it dates back to 1757, which makes it a relatively younger noble residence, yet with a rich and interesting history. For centuries, its owners took turns and each of them printed his own personal manuscript into the building and the entire area. The most important figures associated with the history of this chateau include Jan Antonín Vidršpergár z Vidršpergu and its relatives who have participated in the form of this place since its beginnings. Later the owner became Václav Vidršpergár, which continued the tradition of the genus. The Schönborns family, namely Zdeněk Schönborn and Terezie Schönbornová, has brought further chapters to the history of this estate. Another interesting figure is Kristýna Benigniová, whose story is also associated with the history of this place. In 1864 the farm was purchased by Václav Prokola in public auction, which meant another important chapter in the long and rich history of this estate and its surroundings.

Now pay attention to the architecture in front of you, and look at the buildings that make up the whole complex. The chateau has a rectangular plan, which is a characteristic that you can easily verify with your own view of the building from the outside. The Mansard roof with halves forms the dominant feature of the whole complex and its combination with the bombers gives the construction a unique character that is immediately recognizable. The area also includes the chapel of St. Charles Boromejský, which you can also look at and which represents the spiritual centre of this place. Next to the chapel you will find economic buildings that used to operate the whole estate and still remind you of the agricultural and administrative character of this place. Note how individual buildings connect into a closed unit, which represents a compact complex with a rich and deep history reaching the first half of the eighteenth century.

Now let's focus on the people who lived through this chateau and who made it so special. The Vidrježigár family from Vidršig was one of the leading noble families who had participated in the history of the chateau since its inception. Jan Antonín Vidršpergár z Vidršpergu and Václav Vidršpergár were responsible for the form of this estate when the chateau was being developed and changed. Later came the Schönbornov family, namely Zdeněk Schönborn and Terezie Schönbornová, who brought further changes and extended the heritage of this place. Kristýna Benigniová is another person whose trail has been preserved in the history of the chateau and reminds us that every building has human stories behind it. Each of these owners has brought his own story, which intersects with architecture and spaces you can admire today. Notice how the history of this place consists of many small and large events, which together form a general picture of this remarkable place.

Among the attractions of this place are the unpreserved park, located in the chateau area. In this park there is a Chinese apiculture, a rare and remarkable species that gives the whole area a special atmosphere and resembles the foreign influences that appeared in the Czech chateau parks. This park, although not carefully maintained, still offers visitors a unique experience, because here you will find both historical character and natural beauty, which combines with the architecture of the chateau complex. Chlum Chateau is remarkable in its Baroque architecture and history, which dates back to the first half of the eighteenth century. The first mention of it dates back to 1757 and the entire complex has been protected as a cultural monument since 1964, which shows its importance for our heritage and that society is aware of the value of this place.

And that brings us to the end of your sound check of this place. Chateau Chlum at Hartmanic is waiting for further examination, whether outside the premises or when familiar with its history. Please go back to the area of the complex, look at the facade of the building again, feel the atmosphere of this place and remember to stop at the chapel of St. Charles Boromeya and the unpreserved park with the Chinese peacock. The entire complex has been protected since 1964, so you can be assured that this beautiful historical unit will be preserved for future generations, which will have the opportunity to meet it. Thank you for your attention and have a nice day when you visit this place.