Chotýšany Castle
The Chotýšanski castle, located in the village Chotýšany in the district of Benešov in the Central Bohemian Region, is a Baroque monument with a rich history dating back to the first half of the 18th century. Originally built next to the old fortress of the Knights of Chotýšan, this castle was built in 1743 under the direction of Arnošt František I., Count of Vrtba. Today it is protected as a cultural monument and although it is in an emergency state, it retains its historical value.
The Chotýšany Castle was established during the Baroque period in Central European architecture. This style was exhibited in the Czech Republic with wealth and artistic expressiveness, which is also evident in this castle. Originally, it was single-housed with a rectangular plan decorated with barefoot lizens. In 1830 there was an extension, added a northern neo-gothic wing with seven rooms accessible from the arcade corridor.
The history of ownership is rich and dramatic. After Ernest František I, Count of Vrtba, followed by owner František Josef Vratislav z Mitrovic. Rod owned the estate until 1872 when it was sold to the last male offspring. After a quick change of owners, the Langhammers of Bílina arrived before 1948. After nationalizing the Communist regime in 1948, the castle was rebuilt into flats and served as a local library. After 1989 he was returned to the family of Langhammer, who sold it to the Italian company Farm Chotýšany. However, this company did not invest in the castle and sold the land for a high profit, which led to a fined landmark.
Key events in the history of the castle include its creation in 1743, nationalization after 1948 and unsuccessful sale of the complex for 10 million crowns in 2016. Small maintenance work was carried out in the following years, including a new roof.
Today the castle is owned by private owners and despite its emergency condition remains an important historical monument. The castle area, which includes two granaries, a barn, an economic object, a fortress, a boundary wall, a park and a garden in front of the castle, is an important part of the historical landscape of the village. On the premises there is a monument platan of maple-leaf (Platanus hispanica), which adds another historical value to the site.
The castle is an example of rich history and architectural changes that took place in the region. Despite its condition, it is worth visiting for those interested in Czech history and Baroque architecture. Its presence on the ground shows the importance of preserving cultural heritage and offers a unique view of the past of the region.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1743
- Built the castle next to the old fort.
- 1830
- A northern neo-gothic wing has been added.
Architectural development
The castle was formed as a single-building structure with a rectangular plan. In 1830, a north neo-gothic wing with seven rooms was added. The ground floor of the tower was preserved from the fort and part of the wall with the Renaissance building.
Owners
The sequence of owners with years if available, otherwise zero.
Points of interest
- The castle was built in 1743 under the direction of the Count of Vrtba, Arnold František I.
- The castle underwent enlargement in 1830, when the northern neo-gothic wing with seven rooms was added.
- After Arnošta František I. followed as owner of František Josef Vratislav z Mitrovic and the house owned the estate until 1872.
- After nationalizing the Communist regime in 1948, the castle was rebuilt into flats and served as a local library.
- Small maintenance work was carried out in 2016, including a new roof.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to the baroque castle in Chotýsan. You are standing in front of a historical monument, which is an important part of the landscape of this village. The castle was built in the first half of the 18th century and is protected as a cultural monument.
Let's move back a little bit in time and find out who and why the castle was built in the Chotys. In 1743 he built Arnošt František I., hrabě z Vrtby, this Baroque castle next to the old fortress. It is an interesting example of Baroque architecture and rich history of the region.
Notice the front of the castle. It is a classic example of Baroque architecture, with emphasis on symmetry and harmony. Look at details like windows, doors and facades. Note also how the lock is supplemented with the surrounding area.
Now pay attention to the neo-gothic wing that was built in 1830. It's an interesting contrast to the original Baroque castle. Check the details of the neo-gothic wing and compare them to the original lock.
The castle has a rich history and is connected with several interesting personalities. One of them was František Josef Vratislav z Mitrovic, who followed Ernest František I. as the owner of the castle. The Vrtberk family was an important part of the history of the region and their name is still linked to this monument.
The interesting thing is that the castle has undergone several changes and extensions. In 1830 a neo-gothic wing was built, which still stands today. It's an interesting example of how architecture changed over time.
So, you are already familiar with the history and architecture of the chateau in Chotysan. It's a really interesting and rich monument worth exploring. The invitation remains for you to become more familiar with this history and atmosphere of the castle. I'll say goodbye to you at this beautiful Baroque monument.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the Baroque castle in Chotýšany is from May to October, when the weather is most favourable for the tour and you can enjoy the surrounding countryside fully. This time period offers ideal lighting conditions for photography, especially at noon, when the lighting is flat and fine shadows deliver depth to photos.
Transport to the castle is possible by car and public transport; for current connections and routes please contact the search or local information centre. It is advisable to arrive in the early afternoon when there are usually fewer visitors.
When visiting the castle, remember the clothes suitable for walking and according to current weather, because the path to the castle can be partly rural. Photography is the best from the northwest side of the castle, where the sun illuminates the building in a quiet and aesthetically pleasant atmosphere.
In the vicinity of the castle you can visit the historical village Chotýšany with its picturesque embankment and parishes, which are ideal for a short walk. For families with children it is advisable to prepare toys or books for reading as the castle offers less interactive activities and visitors can also have fun outside in the surrounding park.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
Some buildings of this kind are open for guided tours, others serve another purpose or are privately owned. We have not verified whether and when this monument is open – please ask the operator. According to the heritage register the structure is in poor condition – do not enter it and take care nearby.
What are the opening hours and admission?
We have not verified the opening hours or admission. Current information is published by the operator.
Where is the monument?
Location: č.p. 1, Chotýšany, Středočeský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 40942/2-61).
For kids
About 283 years ago, a beautiful castle began to appear in Chotýshany, as if it had been taken by magic and put in place the old fortress of the Knight of the Cloud. It was like when you got a new card in the game with your own beautiful pavilion - but this time the pavilion was really big and real! The castle became part of a green landscape where today you can still feel the tones of the past.
Businesses nearby
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Nearby
Ambient landscape, other monuments, natural elements up to 5 km or zero.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
The Chotýšany route begins in Chotyshans.
1. Chotýšany - lock The castle is worth visiting because of its unique architecture and rich history. It is located in the centre of the village and is a dominant neighborhood.
2. The fort The fort is worth visiting because of its unique location and history. Located near the castle, it offers beautiful views of the surroundings.
3. Church of St. Jacob the Greater St. Jacob the Greater Church is worth visiting because of its architecture and history. It is located in the centre of the village and is an important monument.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring season, Chotýšany is surrounded by greenery and flowers. The atmosphere is full of life and optimism. It's good to leave early in the morning to avoid crowds. We recommend siege shoes and comfortable clothes to walk around the park.
Summer: Chotýšany is the most visited in the summer. We recommend arriving before the crowd arrives. In the main summer season it is best to visit the castle early morning or late afternoon. In summer it is advisable to bring an umbrella and comfortable clothes.
Autumn: In the autumn period Chotýšany is surrounded by colors of autumn nature. The atmosphere is calm and romantic. When visiting, it is good to bring warm clothes because it can be cold in autumn days. We recommend visiting the castle later this afternoon to avoid crowds.
Winter: In winter Chotýšany is surrounded by snow and calm. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful. When visiting it is good to bring warm clothes and shoes with good grip. We recommend visiting the castle early in the morning because the opening time is shorter in winter.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
Tips from visitors
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Sources and literature
Photos: Marcus33 / CC BY 2.5, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Location on the map
Příběhy a pověsti
Legendy, pověsti a příběhy spjaté s touto památkou
Příběh: Chotýšany
Bylo to v pondělí ráno, kdy Martin zjistil, že jeho srdce znova utrhlo. Stál na rozlehlém parkovém prostranství Chotýšanského zámku, kde zvonění ptáků a cíti…
Číst příběh
Pověst: Chotýšany
Staří obyvatelé Chotýšan vyprávějí, že osud zdejšího zámku byl zpečetěn daleko dříve, než jeho základy spatřily světlo dne. Traduje se, že již ve třináctém s…
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