Chateau Zbiroh

Zbiroh, Czechia, Czech Republic (Czechia)

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Chateau Zbiroh is one of the oldest and most historically significant castles in Czechia, dating back to the 12th century.

It began as a Romanesque-Gothic fortress and evolved architecturally through Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles over the centuries. Known as the “Castle of Three Emperors,” it was owned by prominent rulers including Charles IV, Sigismund of Luxembourg, and Rudolf II.

The castle features the deepest hand-dug rock well in Europe, the oldest freestanding tower in Bohemia, and a chapel adorned with Gothic frescoes. It gained fame as the residence where artist Alphonse Mucha created the renowned Slav Epic paintings and was a meeting place for the Freemasons.

During WWII, it was used by the SS for secret rituals linked to mysticism. After being privately acquired in 2004, the castle opened to the public offering tours, cultural events, accommodations, and a restaurant, blending history, mystique, and modern hospitality in a scenic location between the Křivoklátské and Brdy forests.