Zleby Castle

Žleby, Czech Republic

The castle of Žleby was first referred to in 1289. The Gothic castle was probably built by the Lichtenburg house, and Charles IV, Roman Emperor and the King of Bohemia, bought it in 1356. During the following period, he rented (pledged) the castle to various aristocratic or knight tenants.

Under the siege in 1427, the castle surrendered to the Hussites who then partially tore it down and burned it. The current chateau is no doubt the result of the following reconstruction in late Gothic style, organized by John of Vizmburk in the middle of the 15th century. Žleby was one of the strongholds of the royal power of George Podiebrad (1420–1471) in Eastern Bohemia.

In the 16th century numerous pledge holders changed here; the most important of them were the members of the Hodkov house and Václav Chotouchovský of Nebovidy, who rebuilt the old medieval castle into a four-winged Renaissance chateau with the arcaded courtyard. The reconstruction took place probably in the second half of the 16th century and the chateau has kept most of this appearance so far. In the uneasy times of the Thirty Years War, unfavorable for building, the chateau was owned by Hermann Czernin or Rudolf Trčka.

As for other owners, it’s good to mention the most important ones at least: the Kaisersteins, Schönfelds or Auerspergs, who rebuilt the chateau into the Baroque style. During this reconstruction, the risalites on the main front façade were made, then very fashionable. Also the incomplete courtyard was built, and the farm on the western side next to the castle, with stables and apartments on the first floor.

The ancient Tyrolean house of Auersperg got hold of Žleby in 1754, and owned it until the 20th century. The best known owner of this house was Duke Vincent Charles Auersperg (1812–1867). As a young duke, he took control of his vast domain in 1832, at the age of twenty. In 1845, he married Princess Wilhelmina of the Colloredo-Mansfeld house, who became, together with her husband and his mother Gabriela, born Lobkowicz, the initiator of the Romantic reconstruction of the chateau. The most important addition was ramparts with many towers and spires, which should evoke the appearance of a medieval castle. For the reconstruction of the northern façade, they took inspiration in Elisabethan renaissance. The Auerspergs also changed the appearance of the interiors – equipped the chateau with collections of weapons, furniture, leather wallpapers, pictures, stained glass, manuscripts, books and luxurious kitchenware. The eastern wing of the chateau (now tour No. 1) was used for public tours since the end of the 19th century, and the indoor areas have kept their unique look and feel to the present day.

Duke Vincent Charles died in July 1867, and the domain was temporarily managed by his widow Wilhelmina, for their eldest son and heir Franz Joseph Auersperg (1856–1938). Vincent Charles’s wife and son kept the idea of romantic Žleby and improved it over time.

In 1938, after Franz Joseph’s death, Žleby was inherited by his son Ferdinand (1887–1942), who died childless not long after his father. The chateau was then inherited by the family of his sister Marie, born Auersperg, married Trauttmansdorff (1880–1960). In 1945, Žleby was confiscated pursuant to the President’s decree No. 12/1945. Nowadays, the chateau is owned by the state and managed by the National Heritage Institute.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Czech Republic

More Information

www.zamek-zleby.cz

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Branko Pleadin (2 years ago)
Very big castle from 13th century, renewed during 20th century. The owners of the castle made a very large collection of medeival weapons and other stuff that can be seen during visit to castle rooms.
psbuser1 Thunderbird (3 years ago)
A very enjoyable castle visit in Eastern Bohemia. Worth a detour. If the weather is nice the grounds of the castle park will make your visit even better. The castle has an interesting history, and a visit will enable you to encounter fine furniture and objets d'art as they were in the 19th century. We did consider the entrance fee kind of steep, but we don't regret the visit.
Irina Mironova (4 years ago)
The castle is very beautiful with well-preserved internal interayer. Small and very cozy. Many rooms are preserved as they were more than 160 years ago, as evidenced by the surviving paintings of the premises. Some rooms are upholstered in cowhide or deer skin, many preserved household items. The atmosphere is calming and relaxing, no no extra people and sounds. The tour lasts only an hour, but passes unnoticed. I don’t know for sure if there is a possibility of conducting an excursion in English, you need to clarify in advance.
Vojtech V (5 years ago)
Lovely place ideal for a half-day visit. Historic talks and walks a few times a day. Refreshments, outdoor seating and bike racks make it a fine destination for on foot, by bike or by car visitors.
Lucia Cavallo (6 years ago)
Probably one if the prettiest castles I have ever seen. They shoot fairytales movies here, because it's so pretty. Toucan also see the rare white elk in the park. I am sorry I didn't have the time to visit the interior I was told is as gorgeous as outside
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Broch of Gurness

The Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age broch village. Settlement here began sometime between 500 and 200 BC. At the centre of the settlement is a stone tower or broch, which once probably reached a height of around 10 metres. Its interior is divided into sections by upright slabs. The tower features two skins of drystone walls, with stone-floored galleries in between. These are accessed by steps. Stone ledges suggest that there was once an upper storey with a timber floor. The roof would have been thatched, surrounded by a wall walk linked by stairs to the ground floor. The broch features two hearths and a subterranean stone cistern with steps leading down into it. It is thought to have some religious significance, relating to an Iron Age cult of the underground.

The remains of the central tower are up to 3.6 metres high, and the stone walls are up to 4.1 metres thick.