Lovecký zámeček Nové Valteřice Hunting lodge

Welcome to New Valterice. You are standing in front of one of the most interesting and least common building units in the whole area. Before your eyes, there is a hunting lodge, which people often call the summer castle. Perhaps at first glance you don't see tall towers, massive stone walls or rich decorating that you would expect from a classic castle. Instead, you're being approached by something far more precious and unique. Feel the strange atmosphere that combines nature's calm with the bold spirit of scientific and technical progress. This object is not just a building, it is a witness to the time when the world began to change under the influence of new materials and unprecedented inventions.

Now let's look together at how this place came into being. This castle is not the work of random builders, but it was created with great intent of the House of Liechtenstein. In the second half of the nineteenth century, which was an era of huge transformations and industrial expansion, this mighty family wished to have a place in this part of the landscape to rest, have fun and, above all, hunt. Lichtenštejnové were not just ordinary landowners, they were people with great visionaries who were not afraid to find new ways to express their taste and their attitude towards the modern world. It is thanks to their decision that we can now admire the construction that deviates from a number of traditional buildings.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself, which you see right in front of you right now. Note that this complex does not consist of one large monolith, but consists of two separate buildings, a pavilion which are located at ground level. However, these two parts are not separated by emptiness, but are connected by a covered transition that allows smooth movement between them. This creates a harmonious and coherent whole that is beautifully inserted into the surrounding environment.

Take a closer look at the materials from which this building is drawn. This is what makes this summer's castle absolutely unique. At the time of its creation, most of the buildings were still made of heavy materials such as stone, brick or wood. But here you see something else. Notice the walls and roof of the main building. Its construction consists of corrugated sheet. At that time, it was a completely unprecedented choice, a symbol of modern age and industrial power. Feel the texture, the regular cords that give the building a specific look and at the same time give it a lightness that you will not see at the then buildings. And then there's another, extremely important element that plays a major role here. It's a cast-iron. The cast iron is not just an accessory, but it is the very essence of some parts of this object.

And this is where we come to one of the most interesting things that must now fascinate you. The cast iron pavilion you see here, it's really of world origin. Imagine the year eighteen hundred seventy-three. There was a huge world exhibition in Vienna. It was an event that attracted the attention of the entire human world, a place where the latest scientific discoveries, works of art and modern technology were mixed. Lichtenštejnové was there, watching the biggest news, and that's where they chose this wonderful cast iron piece to bring it here, to New Valters. Imagine the journey, the astonishment of such a modern and rare element becoming part of their private resort in the heart of this country. So this pavilion is a living piece of the history of world technology that has been transferred from the city to this quiet environment.

But the history of this place was not just a linear story of peace and luxury. As you may have heard, after a thousand and nine hundred forty-five, there have been major changes in the possession of property throughout our state. On the basis of those legal decisions known as the Beneš decree, this object was expropriated. This meant that the era when the House of Liechtenstein hosted its friends here and devoted itself to hunting was finally over. Yet this building did not become a forgotten ruin. On the contrary, its exceptional character and its untraditional character were later fully recognised. In a thousand and nine hundred and fifty-eight, this monument was officially declared an object of deserving conservation. This tells us that despite the turbulent political changes and the changes of owners, the value of this unique castle has remained immense for all of us and we must protect it for future generations.

Now that you know the secrets of the corrugated sheet metal and cast iron that came from the world exhibition, I suggest you continue your tour of the entire complex. Feel the combination of materials, which was so unusual in the nineteenth century, and try to imagine the emotions that this modern building caused in those visitors. Walk around, observe the details and enjoy the atmosphere of this place, which is such a unique link between the old world and the new era of industry.

Thank you for spending this moment with us and paying attention to the history of this summer's castle. We wish you a beautiful and inspirational walk around New Valterice.