Czech Chateaux, Castles and Churches...which ones?!
 

I would like to get opinions on what your favorite sites in Czech Republic. I have done my research, and am amazed by all the beautiful castles, churches and chateaux. For example, I read that Karlstejn Castle is great from the outside, but not worth the time inside; and that the nearby Krivoklat Castle is the reverse. This kind of info is helping me decide how much time to spend and where to spend it. Any insight along those lines would be appreciated. <BR> <BR>I will be in Prague for the first 3 days and I have 7-9 to play with...so much to see!

I have to disagree about Karlsteijn. They offer a short tour in many languages and is very interesting. Also the views from the top are stunning. It costs about 20p to get there by train. <BR> <BR>Troja Castle is stunning and is on the outskirts of Prague. The gardens, the pictures are just wonderful and the Grand Hall is breathtaking and you could spend hours just looking at it. If you do get bored with it the zoo is next door!

I really liked Karlsteijn Castle. Unfortunately, the Chapel of the Holy rood was being restored when I was there in 1995, so I didn't get to see it. It's a beautiful room with frescoes. The walls are encrusted with jewels. Hopefully it will be open when you go. I'm very glad I took a tour of this castle. I highly recommend it.

Hi! We visited Krivoklat Castle 2 yrs ago. The inside of the castle is good and you would probably enjoy it. we drove past it but it was Monday and the Castle was closed as are most sights in Czech Rep. If you like churches and assorted items be sure to visit the the Cathedral of St. Barbara in Kutna Hora and the silver mines. In Kutna Hora, right in the nearby suburb of Sedlec is a sight you will always remember, the Ossuary of All Saints chapel [kaple Vsech Svatych] the interior is entirely made up of human bones that were disinterred and made in various sculptures. Also a good castle is Krumlov Castle in Cesky Krumlov. Enjoy your visit. There is much to see outside of Prague. <BR>alan

Hi again! I wanted to correct an error I made in my original e-mail It was Karlstejn Castle that we drove past and were unable to visit. By the way are you renting a car when you leave Pargue it is easier to get around. <BR>alan

Hi Lisa, <BR> <BR>The only castle I visited outside Prague was Karlstejn so I don't have anything else to compare it to but felt the castle and the tour was worthwhile. It took some doing to see it. Referenced 3 guidebooks and took a tram, subway, train, and minivan to get to the castle from where I was staying in Prague. It's not a wonderful as Hradcany but I'm glad I went and also enjoyed seeing something of the countryside on the train ride. <BR> <BR>Adrienne <BR>

Thank you all for your replies. <BR> <BR>Simon and MED, based on your info, I will consider touring the inside of Karlstejn after all. I have read that the Holy Rood Chapel is still closed, though I have yet to confirm that information. Troja was already on my "yes" list, good to have that confirmed! <BR>Alan, Kunta Hora and Chesky Krumlov are high on my list. I am not renting a car, transportation is so inexpensive in Czech. <BR>Has anyone been to Chateau Lednice or Valtice? What I would like to do after the first 3 days in Prague, is to choose a smaller town or two, to day trip from. Possibly in Southern Bohemia, or Southern Moravia (where Valtice and Lednice are located), or both. <BR>This trip started out a one week getaway in April (before my BIG two week trip to Spain in October), it has now taken on a life of its own! I am up to ten days now, and desperately trying to stretch it to two weeks!...HHMMMM... if I live on Ramen Noodles, break open my piggy bank, cancel my newspaper subscription (except the Sunday edition, gonna need those coupons!)...

I suppose there must be somewhere in the Republic that isn't rich in castles, churches, and chateaux, but I don't know where that is. I've indeed been to Lednice -- delightful. But then so are they all. I'd plump for a stay in Ceske Budejovice, at the two-star Hotel Grand, with dinners at the Hotel Bodo (better food) and visits by bus or train in fifty kinutes to Zlata Koruna valley and monastery, Cesky Krumlov, the chateau and paintings at Hluboka nad Vlatavou, Lomnice, the carp lakes, castle and old town at Trebon, and the castle at Jindrichuv Hradec. The hotel is near both bus and railway stations. <BR> <BR>But in June I had a great fortnight at Teplice, with trips along the Ore Mountains in each direction. I stopped that time at Liberec, and thought what a good tour base it would make. <BR> <BR>Whatever you pick, you can't go wrong. <BR> <BR>Plesase write if I can help further. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR>

Hi! It seems that both Chateau Lednice and Voltice are good choices. Unfortunatley though we stayed in neither. We were in Telc however and it has an incredible Town Center, in excellent condition. If you're going to Kutna Hora, may I make a suggestion? There is a very good and resonable Chinese restaurant called "New Peking" on Vaclavske nam accrding to the card I took from there. For two of us a full dinner incl soup, appetizers and 2 entrees and beer was 11 USD. Was as good any I've had in US especially the Hot and Spicy soup. Have a good time. alan