Neugebau Summer palace
Neugebau: A Hidden Gem in the Kněžičky Game Reserve
Located in the picturesque Kněžičky Game Reserve, Neugebau is a charming hunting lodge with a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. Commissioned by Kristýna z Lichtenštejna, a member of the noble Lichtenštejn family, the lodge showcases a unique blend of Swiss and Renaissance styles, reflecting the wealth and influence of the Kinský family. As a notable example of a novorenesanční letohrádek, Neugebau is a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
The origins of Neugebau date back to around 1780, when Kristýna z Lichtenštejna commissioned the construction of the lodge. Later, František Ferdinand II. Kinský, a passionate hunter and patron of the arts, owned the building and was married to Kristýna. The lodge underwent significant renovations in the 19th century, transforming it into the unique blend of styles we see today.
Neugebau's architecture features a patrician facade with a central rizalit and polygonal rizalits in the corners. The building is a two-story, rectangular structure with a central rizalit and polygonal rizalits in the corners. The facade is rusticated in the lower part, while the upper part boasts rectangular windows with stucco moldings and decorative parapet fillings on a cornice. The gable ends are adorned with ornate motifs reminiscent of wattle and daub.
The Kinský family played a significant role in Neugebau's history, with Terezie Kinská, the mother of Oktavián Kinský, residing in the lodge during the 19th century. The family's love of hunting and the arts is reflected in the lodge's design and construction. In 1993, the Kněžičky Game Reserve, including Neugebau, was returned to the Kinský family.
Today, Neugebau is a well-preserved example of a novorenesanční letohrádek, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural heritage. Visitors can explore the lodge's unique blend of styles and learn about the Kinský family's influence on the region. As a testament to the region's natural beauty and cultural significance, Neugebau is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and the Czech countryside.
Then and now
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The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1780
- Built around 1780
- 19
- Renovated in the 19th century
- 1993
- Returned to the Kinský family in 1993
Architectural development
The lodge was built in the late 18th century in the Swiss and Renaissance styles. It underwent a major renovation in the 19th century, which transformed it into a unique blend of styles. The building features a patrician facade with a central rizalit and polygonal rizalits in the corners.
Historical events
Built around 1780
Renovated in the 19th century
Returned to the Kinský family in 1993
Owners
Kristýna z Lichtenštejna, František Ferdinand II. Kinský, Terezie Kinská, Oktavián Kinský
Points of interest
– The lodge was originally built as a hunting retreat, but it also served as a place for relaxation and entertainment for the Kinský family and their guests.
– The building's unique blend of styles is a reflection of the Kinský family's cultural and artistic tastes, which were influenced by their European travels and connections.
– The lodge's architecture is a testament to the family's wealth and influence, with intricate details and ornate decorations that reflect their status as a noble family.
– The Kinský family's love of hunting is reflected in the lodge's design, with features such as hunting trophies and equipment on display.
– The lodge's history is closely tied to the history of the Kněžičky Game Reserve, which was established in the 19th century as a hunting ground for the Kinský family and their guests.
Guide
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
The Neugebau hunting lodge, also called Nové Stavení in Czech, stands in the Kněžičky game reserve above the Žehuňský pond. This game reserve is also known as the Kinský game reserve or Žehuňská game reserve.
The lodge was built around 1780 in what was then the Chlumecká game reserve. It was built at the request of Christina of Liechtenstein and she gave it to her husband Francis Ferdinand the Second Kinský, who was a passionate hunter. In the first half of the nineteenth century, Therese Kinská, mother of Octavian Kinský, lived there. It was precisely during her stay that the lodge was rebuilt in neo-Renaissance Swiss style. In 1993, the game reserve along with the lodge was returned to the Kinský dal Borgo family.
The building is rectangular and multi-storey. In the middle it has risalits, which are protruding parts of the building, topped with gables. At the corners of the façade are polygonal risalits. In the central risalit of the façade is a multi-storey wooden loggia. The entrance from the game reserve leads through a columned portico, which is an entrance hall supported by columns. Above it is a terrace, which one could access from the hall on the upper floor. On both sides of the portico, a two-armed staircase adjoins it.
The ground floor façade is rusticated, meaning it has a surface imitating stone blocks. On the upper floor there are emphasized rectangular windows with stucco decoration above them. Below the windows, on the stringcourse, which is a horizontal moulding separating the storeys, are decorative infills. The gables are decorated with patterns that resemble timbering. Above the roof there was originally a bell tower on columns, covered with a saddle roof.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit Neugebau is during the spring and summer months when the surrounding nature is in full bloom.
It is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
The best photography spots are around the lodge and near the Žehuňský rybník, where the light is soft and golden during the golden hour.
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.
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: Kněžičky, Středočeský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
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Nearby
The lodge is located in the Kněžičky Game Reserve, near the Žehuňský rybník.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
Zehunsky rybnik (approximately 1 km from Neugebau) – is the largest pond in the reserve, significant for fishing and waterfowl. Knesicky (approximately 1.5 km from Neugebau) – historical core of the village with the original Church of St. James the Greater, now a filial church of the Žehun parish. Neugebau (main attraction) – a summer villa in pseudo-Romanesque style, built in 1870 for the Thun-Hohenstein family.
Seasonal recommendations
Jaro: In the spring, the Neugebau summer palace is surrounded by blooming trees and lawns that add stunning color to its historic setting. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, making it ideal for visitors who want to explore the buildings and gardens without crowds. We recommend visiting Neugebau in the spring if you enjoy blooming flowers and a tranquil atmosphere. The best time to visit is from April to May when the weather is pleasant and temperatures are mild.
Summer: In summer, the Neugebau summer palace is surrounded by green trees and blooming flowers, creating a beautiful setting for strolls and relaxation. The main summer season is busy with visitors, so we recommend arriving early to avoid crowds. The best time to visit is from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny. Don't forget to bring plenty of drinks and snacks, as many outdoor bars and stalls are open during the summer season.
Autumn: In autumn, the Neugebau summer palace is surrounded by colorful leaves that create a beautiful setting for strolls and photography. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, making it ideal for visitors who want to explore the buildings and gardens without crowds. We recommend visiting Neugebau in the autumn if you enjoy natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. The best time to visit is from September to November when the weather is mild and temperatures are pleasant.
Winter: In winter, the Neugebau summer palace is surrounded by snow and quietness, creating a unique setting for strolls and relaxation. The best time to visit is from December to February when the weather is cold and snowy conditions are ideal for winter walks. Don't forget to bring warm clothing and boots to stay comfortable in the chilly weather.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Hedvika Šimková / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
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