A bit of history and interesting facts
Without exaggerating, so much history played out at Zbiroh Chateau. Since its conception, the greatest noble families have passed through here, which, among other things, earned it its nickname as the Castle of Three Emperors. And even not so long ago, it played an important role. Thanks to its strategic positioning and the unique phthanite bedrock that it stands on, it provides the ideal base for intercepting transmitters. Zbiroh Castle, however, served many other purposes.
It was also the place where famous painter Alfons Mucha lived and worked. You guessed it: the renowned Slavic Epic was created right here in the great hall, which you can visit during the chateau’s commentated tour. You can also look forward to the legend about the man with the iron mask, Tycho Brahe’s globe, and the Romanesque garden park near the castle.
The chateau also served as the home of Emporer Rudolf II, who supported alchemic experiments here. Another interesting piece of history is that it has one of the deepest wells in Europe and the oldest remaining, standalone watchtower in the country. Today, Zbiroh Chateau is open to the public, and aside from tours, it offers various cultural events, wedding venues, a restaurant, and accommodation in a scenic environment.
You can visit a number of interesting expositions at Zbiroh Chateau that reveal its rich history and unique architecture. As part of the chateau route, you’ll hear the captivating story of the original castle’s and chateau’s history, the mysterious past of the Knights Templar, and the nearly twenty-year-long stay of Alfons Mucha. In the summer, you can then embark on the castle tour route, which also explores the exterior parts of the structure and introduces you to the original spaces of the Romanesque-Gothic castle. The tour routes are then joined by an exhibit dedicated to the photography of Alfons Mucha in the small gallery in the chateau’s common room. A special night tour or a tour dedicated to King Charles IV can be arranged for larger groups.
