The history of Švihov Castle dates back to the 15th century, when the regional judge Půta Švihovský (one of the most significant men from the Rýzmberk family) had it built. In the beginning, the castle was designed to be an artificial island and was made to include four protective bastions, two rampart walls and two water-filled moats. The water to fill both moats was taken from the Úhlava River.
Saving the castle
The castle was facing demolition after the Thirty Year’s War. The fight against this was successful however and parts of it were saved from the planned complete teardown. It was then used to serve agricultural purposes until the 20th century, when it was classified as castle ruins. Nevertheless, Eugen Černín contributed to the protection of this Gothic monument in the 1930s and was able to provide the castle with its much-needed repairs.
Cinderella and a castle tour
By going on one of the commentated tours of Švihov Castle, you will learn more about its history and take a look at its chambers, castle kitchen and well-preserved tower. You can also go to discover more about the secret of Cinderella’s glass slipper. This you can do by touring the exposition dedicated to the filming of this legendary fairy tale.
