Zámek Dolní Břežany Castle
The castle was originally a fortress whose first written references date back to 1332. Today's construction was built around 1600 in the Renaissance style. It is a four-wing two-story castle built around a square courtyard with a characteristic prism tower on the west front. The area also includes the entrance gate and economic buildings.
The Prague Archbishop Ferdinand hrabě Khünburg bought the castle in the early 18th century. Since then, he served as an economic and administrative centre of the Lower Bank, which remained in the possession of the Prague Archbishop for nearly 300 years and represented the financial and economic background of the Archdiocese. The last building modifications in the original historical era took place in 1901, when the layout of the inner courtyard was modified and the lodžie was added. Part of the complex is the New Romanesque chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, which was built between 1885 and 1887.
The castle bears traces of its rich past: Stack decoration from the end of the 17th century is preserved in the passage and a tombstone from around 1580 is planted in the wall. Since June 1919, the Italian Embassy has been in buildings.
After 1945, the objects were effectively taken by the state. First they were used by the Ministry of Agriculture, later there was a hostel for soldiers. Garages, warehouses and other technical buildings were built in the garden and park. As part of the restitution, the Prague Archdiocese regained its castle and land. The contracts signed in 2003 and 2015 between the church and the municipality of Dolní Břežany express a common interest in the development of the site.
From 2016 to 2018 the castle underwent a comprehensive reconstruction and revitalization of its surroundings. It was converted into a four-star Chateau Clara Futura hotel with a view to serve as a conference centre. This strategy was based on the proximity of two research laser centres - ELI Beamlines and Hilase - that attract scientific visits from all over the world. However, the operation of the hotel did not prove profitable and the situation deteriorated by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020. The hotel remained out of operation for a long time and was sold in 2023.
The chapel of St. Mary's Magdalene, which is part of the castle complex, remains in operation as a skeleton. Every Sunday at 9: 30, the Holy Mass is held, which is accessible to visitors.
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
- 2016
- Reconstruction of the castle and revitalization of the surroundings.
- 2023
- Sale of the building after closing the hotel.
Architectural development
Originally it was in the place of a fortress, which was replaced by a Renaissance castle around 1600. In the passage there is a stucco decoration from the end of the 17th century and the New Romanesque chapel of St. Mary Magdalene was built between 1885 and 1887.
Historical events
- 1332
- First mention of the castle at the castle.
- 1600
- Construction of the Renaissance castle.
- 1945
- Locked up by the state after World War II.
Owners
Originally belonged to the fort, the first mention from 1332; in the 18th century bought Prague Archbishop Ferdinand hrabě Khünburg; After 1945 it was effectively taken by the state and later returned to the Prague Archbishop.
Points of interest
- The castle was originally built, whose first written mention dates back to 1332.
- Today's castle was built around 1600 in Renaissance style and has a four-wing two-story shape with a prism tower on the west front.
- At the beginning of the 18th century Prague Archbishop Ferdinand hrabě Khünburg bought the castle and served as an economic-administrative centre of the Lower Bank estate for nearly 300 years.
- Stack decoration from the end of the 17th century is preserved in the passage of the castle and a tombstone from around 1580 is planted in the wall.
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! You are facing one of the most interesting historical monuments in the area. It is the castle Dolní Břežany, which stands at the site of the original fortress, whose first written references date back to 1332. Let's move on to when the new Renaissance building began to be built here.
Today you have a complex four-wing two-story lock with a prism tower on the west front. The tower is one of the most famous elements of this place and was built in the Renaissance style. Now pay attention to the details of architecture. Note that the entire complex is surrounded by walls and has a square yard.
The castle served as an economic and administrative centre of the Archbishop for more than three centuries. One of the key figures in history here was the Prague Archbishop Ferdinand hrabě Khünburg.
Let's go back to the past and discover the secret that lies in this place. The castle was originally a fortress whose first written references date back to 1332. Today's castle was built around 1600 in Renaissance style.
The interesting thing is that the castle was used as a luxury Chateau Clara Futura hotel after reconstruction. In 2016 the castle underwent extensive reconstruction and revitalization of the surroundings.
Let's go back to the present. In 2023, the castle was sold after closing the hotel. You are standing in front of a historic place that offers many secrets and attractions. Look at the facade and feel the atmosphere of this place. You can go back to the past and discover the secrets that are hiding in this place.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn period when the castle is open to the public and surrounding nature offers beautiful colors. This time of year also brings lighter weather, making it easier to walk around the castle.
Parking is possible near the castle, but we recommend checking the availability of the parking lot before the visit. The castle is also well accessible by public transport; For details about connections, check the local route search engine.
When planning a visit to take with you durable shoes because the corridor around the castle can be inconsistent. Also remember the protective sunglasses and sufficient water, especially in warmer months.
The best place for photography is the castle with its prism tower. The best light offers in the morning or evening, when the sun is not directly above the head and gives the shadows interesting shapes on the wall. For families with children the castle is an ideal place for short walks and exploring history, which is suitable as relaxation activities.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zámek Dolní Břežany open to the public?
Yes, the castle is open to the public. The opening hours are from 9.00 to 17.00 hours, the last entrances being allowed until 16.30 hours.
How do I get to the place by car / public transport?
Zámek Dolní Břežany is located about 20 km west of Prague. The car can be reached by highway D5 and then by road III / 03345. The public transport can be reached by line 306 from Praha- Zlicín station.
How much is the entrance fee and is it paid on the spot?
Payment is possible with payment cards, banknotes or cash.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, the Dolní Břežany Castle tour is suitable for all age groups. The castle also has special programs for families with children such as children's games and competitions.
How long does the tour take?
The tour of the castle takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how deep the visitors go into history and architecture.
What are the opening times and booking is required?
The opening hours of the lock Dolní Břežany are from 9.00 to 17.00 hours, the last entrances are allowed until 16.30 hours. Reservation is not required, but with a large number of visitors it is recommended to book in advance.
What's interesting in the immediate vicinity?
In the immediate vicinity of the castle there is a nature reserve with forests and meadows. Other historical monuments, such as St. Mary's Magdalena Church and the Chateau of Štějovice, can also be visited nearby.
For kids
Imagine going back to the past, when the Czechs were full of heroes and legends. Now look at the place where these heroes gathered to have fun and remember their adventures. We are talking about the castle Dolní Břežany, which is like a complete book full of secrets and mystery stories.
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Route: Dolní Břežany - Church of St. John the Baptist - Lower Břežanská lípa - Lower Břežanská pond
1. Zámek Dolní Břežany (main objective) - Baroque castle, which stands at the site of the original Gothic castle, is worth visiting for its unique architecture and rich history. 2. St. John the Baptist Church (0.5 km) - Baroque church, which stands on the site of the original church from the 14th century, is worth visiting for its beautiful architecture and valuable artistic monuments. 3. Lower Břežanská lípa (0.8 km) - a memorable tree, which is one of the oldest and most valuable better in Bohemia, is worth visiting for its exceptional history and beauty. 4. Lower Břežanská pond (1.2 km) - a pond that is an important biotope for local fauna and flora is worth visiting for its beauty and quiet atmosphere.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring season the Dolní Břežany Castle is surrounded by flowering trees and lawns, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The lighting is neutral, so you can focus on historical construction. We recommend visiting the castle in the spring season when the weather is pleasant and not too many tourists. The best time to visit is during April and May when the weather is sunny and warm.
Summer: In summer the Dolní Břežany Castle is a popular destination for tourists, so we recommend to arrive before large groups start. The lighting is neutral and nature is in full bloom. Don't forget to bring your sun shade and water because visitors can be a lot. The best time to visit is in June and July when the weather is sunny and warm.
Autumn: In autumn the Dolní Břežany Castle is surrounded by beautiful colorful tree leaves, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The lighting is neutral and nature is calm. We recommend visiting the castle in the autumn season when the weather is pleasant and not too many tourists. The best time to visit is during September and October when the weather is sunny and cold.
Winter: In winter the Dolní Břežany Castle is closed and offers a pleasant atmosphere for visitors. The lighting is nice and nature is calm. We recommend visiting the castle in winter season when the weather is cold and there are not many tourists. The best time to visit is during December and January, when the weather is cold and it is possible to walk here more calmly. Do not build warm clothes because temperatures may drop.
Visualizations and artistic views
Vizualizace jsou generovány umělou inteligencí a slouží jako inspirace.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
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Sources and literature
Fotografie: Jiří Novák / CC BY-SA 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons. Autor a licence se zobrazí i po najetí na snímek.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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