Roztěž Chateau

Roztěž is a chateau in a village of the same name near Vidic southwest of Kutná Hora, Central Bohemia. Founded by Jan Špork in the 17th century as the mansion of the Malešov estate, he underwent two major reconstructions - the Empire at the beginning of the 19th century and historizing at the beginning of the 20th century. Today the chateau with the park is protected as a cultural monument.

The original fortress, which was located at the site of the present chateau, was Gothic and was already in the 14th century. After several changes to the owners in the 14th century, Jan Šporka was taken over the farm in 1666. The new owner was not satisfied with the decrepit Malešovský fortress and therefore he built a new chateau at Roztěže, which became the main headquarters of the manor.

The original Šporkov chateau was built as a small oblong building in the Baroque style. In 1827-1830 he expanded it and rebuilt it into the Karel Maxmilián Dahlberg-Ostein Empire style under the direction of architect Josef Schleps, who was also involved in the reconstruction of the chateau in Dachic. The Empire remodel only left part of the perimeter wall and the newly built chateau had a mansard roof, two large halls, thirty rooms and a chapel. The park around the chateau was also founded at that time.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the chateau underwent another significant reconstruction designed by architect Leopold Bauer, which included a mixture of historical styles and expansion of the park. The chateau was then increasingly modified in the spirit of various historical styles, which is also evident in its present appearance.

After Karl Dahlberg, the chateau was inherited by Marie Salmová. In 1945 it was confiscated and in the second half of the 20th century it served as a recreational and boarding centre of the Czech Union of Journalists. The chateau also became a place to shoot television series and films, which contributed to its cultural popularity.

In 2001 the chateau was purchased by Terry Gou from the Syndicate of Journalists. Under his leadership the complex was reconstructed and a golf course was established in the neighbourhood. Today, the chateau is managed by Casa Serena and is not accessible to the public.

Roztěž represents not only architectural beauty, but also testimonies about historical changes and influence of various personalities on the Czech cultural heritage. Its value is that it retains the monuments of the past and brings them up to now in the form of a reconstructed site that can be appreciated even without the possibility of his visit.