Castle in Roztoky

Roztoky Castle sits on the left bank of the Vltava River, just a few kilometres north of Prague, and for decades has served as the home of the Central Bohemian Museum. What began as a medieval stronghold gradually turned into a manor house, and today the site brings together regional history, archaeological collections, and a spacious park open to visitors.

How did the castle's story begin?

The first fortified structure on this spot was built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries — a stronghold with a circular wall and a central tower, raised right above the riverbank. At the end of the 14th century, two Prague merchants, brothers Eberhard and Reinhard of Remstal, replaced the older fortification with a new residence that included a chapel. The property later passed to the knights of the Boryně family of Lhota, who converted it into a Renaissance-style seat, and it was only in the 18th century that the building acquired the Baroque-Classicist form it still has today.

What can visitors see inside the castle today?

Since 1957 the building has housed the Central Bohemian Museum in Roztoky near Prague. Two permanent exhibitions are on display: one recreates the private rooms and daily routine of an estate manager running a landed property, while the other, called "Life at a Summer Resort," shows the villas and holiday houses built by Prague residents at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, when Roztoky was a favourite riverside getaway just outside the capital. The museum also curates two archaeological collections totalling more than 550,000 items, making it one of the more significant institutions of its kind in the Central Bohemian region.

Is there more to see beyond the castle building itself?

Part of the museum's exhibition space extends to the former Brauner Mill, dedicated to the painter Zdenka Braunerová, who lived and worked in Roztoky. It makes a natural addition to a visit to the main castle building.

What does the surrounding area look like?

The castle is set within a park laid out in the 19th century and designed for quiet strolls — it contains rare and exotic tree species along with sculptures placed among the paths. The park is freely accessible during the museum's opening hours, making it an easy complement to a visit to the exhibitions.

What events does the museum host?

Beyond its permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly organises cultural events, workshops for children and adults, folklore-themed happenings, and temporary exhibitions covering various aspects of the region's history.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the castle located? In the town of Roztoky, on the left bank of the Vltava River, a few kilometres north of central Prague.

How is this different from the other Roztoky in Czechia? It should not be confused with Roztoky u Jilemnice in the Liberec region — the castle described here stands on the Vltava and now houses the Central Bohemian Museum.

What are the opening hours? The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

How much does admission cost? A standard adult ticket costs 50 CZK, a children's ticket 30 CZK, and a family ticket 130 CZK; children under 6 and visitors with disabilities along with their companion enter free of charge.

Can I visit the park without seeing the exhibitions? Yes, the park surrounding the castle is freely accessible during museum hours and doesn't require a separate ticket for the indoor exhibitions.

What's worth seeing beyond the main castle building? The former Brauner Mill, which presents the work of painter Zdenka Braunerová, is well worth the extra stop.