Křivoklát Castle

Křivoklát, Czech Republic (Czechia)

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Křivoklát Castle is one of the oldest and most significant castles in the Czech Republic, with origins dating back to the 12th century and construction of the stone castle beginning between 1230 and 1240 under the reign of kings Přemysl Otakar I and Václav I.

It was built as a royal seat and hunting residence and expanded significantly in the Gothic style during the reign of King Václav IV, who favored the castle for leisure and sport. The castle’s architecture features notable late Gothic elements such as defensive ramparts, bastions, and towers, while its interiors include a chapel and royal halls.

Throughout its history, Křivoklát served as a royal residence, a prison for notable captives like alchemist Edward Kelley, and saw damage and reconstruction due to fires and military conflicts. It was owned by the noble Fürstenberg family from the 18th century until it was sold to the Czechoslovak state in 1929. Today, the castle functions as a museum and popular tourist attraction, preserving collections of hunting weapons, Gothic paintings, and historical books while illustrating its centuries-long role in Czech royal and cultural history.