The Castle Area Ctěnice

Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia)

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The Kratochvíle State Chateau near Netolice in the Czech Republic is a Renaissance hunting villa built between 1583 and 1589 for Wilhelm of Rosenberg. Designed by Italian architect Baldassare Maggi, it reflects the style of Roman country villas with a symmetrical rectangular plan surrounded by a moat and connected by a drawbridge.

The interior features richly decorated rooms, including the Great Gold Hall adorned with stucco reliefs and murals based on classical mythology. The chateau was later owned by the Eggenberg and Schwarzenberg families and underwent modifications, including roof changes in the 18th century. It was used variably over time, including as an orphanage and a museum after nationalization in the 20th century.

Today, it is a well-preserved example of Renaissance architecture in southern Bohemia and hosts exhibitions such as Czech puppet and animated films.