Former Water Castle Budyně Nad Ohri

Budyně nad Ohří, Czech Republic (Czechia)

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Former Water Castle Budyně nad Ohří in the Czech Republic is a historic moated castle first mentioned in records dating back to 1173.

Originally built as a wooden fortress, it was rebuilt as a Gothic stone castle by King Ottokar I in the early 13th century. The castle was owned for centuries by the noble Zajíc family, who oversaw its prosperity and development. It features a combination of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, with later Baroque modifications.

Today, the castle is owned by the town of Budyně nad Ohří and houses the Janda Museum, which includes exhibits on regional history, traditional crafts, and even an executioner's collection. Surrounded by water and defensive fortifications, it is a prominent cultural monument illustrating the layered history of noble residences and fortifications in northern Bohemia.​