Loučen Castle

Nymburk, Czech Republic

Loučeň Castle was built on the site of a former medieval fortress. The first mention of this fortress dates back to 1223 and was discovered in the testimonial of the Prague bishop Peregrinus. This year is also considered the first official mention of the village of Loučeň. From that time until 1618, several lords and peasants alternated as owners of the fortress.

In 1612, the castle of Loučeň and other adjacent villages were owned by Václav Berka of Dubá the Elder, a very wealthy nobleman who did not sympathize with Emperor Ferdinand II. Therefore, in 1620, after the Battle of White Mountain, Václav Berka left the country and the castle was confiscated in 1622 due to his participation in the anti-Habsburg uprising. A year later, all of Berka's property was purchased by Adam of Valdštejn.

During the Thirty Years' War, all the surrounding villages in the Nymburk region were heavily affected by the invasion of armies. The dilapidated fortress in Loučeň was not renovated until 1704-1713, when Karel Arnošt of Valdštejn began to transform it into a Baroque castle. A chapel was also added to the castle, which was later converted into the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. After Karel Arnošt's death, his daughter Eleanora took over the estate, and she passed it on to her daughter Maria Anna. She was very determined, persecuted evangelicals, and tightened the requirements of serfdom. Maria Anna married Josef Fürstenberg, and thus the ownership of Loučeň Castle passed from the Valdštejn family to the Fürstenbergs.

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Nymburk, Czech Republic
See all sites in Nymburk

Details

Founded: 1704-1713
Category: Castles and fortifications in Czech Republic

More Information

www.zamekloucen.cz

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Jana B (10 months ago)
It was such a great experience. We took "Christmas tree tour". It was entertaining, knowledgeable, great decorations in the rooms, the tour guide was to the point. Only one thing I would change is the number of guest in one tour, I would make a smaller group.The manor house is beautiful plus it has huge park with attractions for kids and adults. We will definitely come back.
Masha Volynsky (20 months ago)
Great place to visit , though a bit expensive in season. The multiple labyrinths located around the château gardens keep kids occupied for a few hours. The inside of the château is also very nice and the Vtipna kase Cafe is cozy and has great food. In the winter, though, some of the labyrinths are not accessible.
Jitka K (4 years ago)
Beautiful chateau with a nice view and the best park full of labyrinths and mazes! They have funny program for kids during summer and at some special occasions during the whole year. There is also a chilling zone with 'fatboys' in the shade in front of the chateau.
Marco Scheffler (5 years ago)
Comfortable suites, good service and a great restaurant - the adjacent park of Loucen Chateau is ideal for children! The perfect starting point for excursions to Prague, Kutná Hora, etc.
Jakub Vimr (5 years ago)
Excellent guided tour. I think I have never been on any better. And I've been on so many before:) Also nice park with attractions for kids and grownups too. Unfortunately I don't have for some reason not enough good photos. I was most likely preoccupied with other things than taking shots.
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