Bzí Castle

Bzí Castle is a Baroque manor house standing in the small village of Bzí, part of the municipality of Dolní Bukovsko in South Bohemia, not far from České Budějovice. For most of its history it was a modest fortified manor, only rebuilt into a proper noble residence in the 17th century. After decades of neglect, the estate is now under extensive restoration and is gradually opening its doors again.

Where does the estate at Bzí come from?

The first written records of Bzí date back to the 14th century — in 1354, Charles IV granted the estate to Petr z Rožmberka, a member of one of the most powerful noble families in Bohemia at the time. A small fortified seat, a so-called tvrz, likely already stood here, typical of medieval manorial estates in the region. Several neighbouring villages, including Bukovsko, belonged to the manor.

The Bzí family itself died out before the mid-16th century, and the estate passed to the Hozlauer von Hozlau family, after whom ownership changed hands several more times. The Thirty Years' War did not spare the property — the old fortress was heavily damaged and burned along with other buildings in the area.

How did the Baroque castle come about?

The ruined fortress was rebuilt by its owner at the time, Jetřich z Gemmersheimu (and Harpershof). In 1655 the old stronghold was given a new, Baroque form: a single-storey chateau built around four wings, with a spacious hall on the upper floor and a chapel dedicated to Saint Florian. After Jetřich's death, the estate passed to the princely House of Schwarzenberg — specifically Prince Jan Adolf I. Schwarzenberg — under whom the castle gardens were expanded. A further renovation followed in 1754, so the residence could be used by the princely family itself.

What happened to the castle in the 20th century?

After the Second World War, in 1956, the estate was taken over by a state farm as part of agricultural collectivisation. The castle was put to purely utilitarian use, and its condition steadily worsened for lack of investment. Even so, the building still made appearances in Czech film productions of the period, including "Zlatí úhoři" (Golden Eels) and "Svatba upírů" (Vampire's Wedding), shot at a time when parts of its original character were still intact.

What is happening at the castle today?

In 2022, the ruined estate was bought at auction by the Prague-based architecture studio Loxia for seven million Czech crowns, and restoration of the entire complex — spread over more than twenty thousand square metres — began in earnest. Plans envisage a castle hotel, a restaurant, a multifunctional conference hall, an ornamental garden with a greenhouse and pavilion, and wellness facilities. The work has been divided into three stages, with completion planned by 2033.

For now, the estate — operating under the name Panství Bzí — is not a conventional tourist attraction open every day. It functions primarily as a venue for weddings and corporate events, offering the Zámecká Taverna with two multifunctional halls, accommodation for around eighty guests, a courtyard holding up to five hundred people, and, by the pond, a "pier of promises" and a "love apartment" for newlyweds. A few times a year the owners hold open days, when visitors can follow tour routes through the attic, cellars, and former distillery.

Frequently asked questions

Can Bzí Castle be visited? Not on a regular basis — the site is under active renovation and works mainly as a wedding and corporate event venue. Public access is offered occasionally, during open days organised by the current owner.

Who owns the castle? Since 2022 the estate has belonged to the architecture studio Loxia, which bought it at auction and is carrying out its multi-stage restoration.

How old is the castle? Its history reaches back to the 14th century, when a fortified manor stood on the site. Its present Baroque appearance dates from the 1655 rebuilding.

Is there anything else to see nearby? The Bukovsko area around České Budějovice offers the typical South Bohemian landscape of ponds and villages, though the castle itself remains the main point of interest in Bzí.