Tuchoraz (hrad) Fortress

Tuchoraz is a historic chateau on the edge of the village of the same name in Kolín district. It deserves to attract attention from its rich history and architectural peculiarities. It stands on the field edge above the Mlýnský pond at an altitude of 275 metres and since 1965 it has been protected as a cultural monument.

The origin of Tuchoraz dates back to the end of the 14th century, namely the reign of King Wenceslas IV. The first stone fortress was built on a small rock above Šember. It was built by Petr z Klučova before 1409 and laid the foundation for future development of the chateau. In 1441, the Prague town hall Daniel Žitavský from the Horse Market, which founded the pond and the mill. After his death in 1462 he passed over the estate to the wife of Hedviki, who passed the fort to Nicholas of Landstejn, the Purkrabi at Hluboká Chateau. He was an important figure and a royal dignitary, which led to the costly rebuilding of the fort to a noble mansion with a massive residential tower and a spacious palace. The construction work was led by Mistr Květoň, whose Czech inscription above the gate has been preserved until today.

Architecturally, Tuchoraz is interesting with Gothic elements, especially unique star vaults in the entrance tower. This tower makes the memory unique; represents a rare type of architecture from the reign of Jiří z Poděbrad. After 1770 the chateau was gradually dismantled until only the tower was preserved.

The ownership of Tuchoraz has changed over time. After Nicholas of Landstein, the chateau was in the possession of his descendants until 1579. Then Jaroslav I. Smiřický from Smiřice joined him to the Black Church estate. In 1639 the Swedes unsuccessfully besieged the chateau, but this contributed to its gradual decline. After the reform in 1923, the court was entrusted to the owner of the remaining estate. It was later managed by the Agricultural Cooperative and Regional Institute of State Monument Care. In 1992, the whole estate was transferred to Mrs Markéta Gross as part of the restitution, who closed it to the public. In 2013 František Vyšata bought the property.

Today Tuchoraz is open to the public during cultural events or after prior ordering. Visitors can appreciate its historical and architectural value. The chateau is worth visiting thanks to its history, unique Gothic elements and views of the surrounding countryside.

Tuchoraz is a reminder of the past that helps to understand the complexity of history and architecture. It is important to preserve and make available memories of ancestors and their skills that still affect the present. Visiting the chateau is not only a way to the past, but also an inspiration to appreciate historical monuments and their importance for today.