Červený Hrádek Castle

Červený Hrádek is an early Baroque castle standing on the northern edge of Jirkov, in the Chomutov district, at the foot of the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory). It belongs to a group of 17th-century noble residences of northwestern Bohemia and today serves as the town's cultural and social venue.

When and by whom was the castle built?

Červený Hrádek was built in 1655 on the initiative of Jan Adam Hrzán of Harasov. The new residence rose on the site of an older stronghold known as Borek, which explains the building's elevated, defensively favorable position over the surrounding area. After the founder's death, his son František Maxmilián Hrzán continued the interior work, giving the castle a coherent Baroque character already in the second half of the 17th century.

Who decorated the castle's interiors and grounds?

The most recognizable part of the decoration comes from sculptor Jan Brokoff, who worked at the castle between 1687 and 1688. During that time he created a set of sculptures, two fountains, and vases adorning the staircase — details that still testify to the artistic ambitions of the Hrzán family residence.

What role did the castle play in 20th-century history?

The last private owner of Červený Hrádek was Max Egon Hohenlohe. During his ownership, in 1938, the castle hosted a meeting between representatives of the Sudeten German Party and British Lord Runciman, sent as part of a mediation mission over the Sudeten crisis that preceded the Munich Agreement. This episode briefly placed the small castle in Jirkov at the center of events that shaped the fate of pre-war Europe.

Who owns the castle today and how is it used?

Since 1996, the castle has been owned by the town of Jirkov. It now functions as a local cultural and social center, hosting municipal events, gatherings, and celebrations. This civic use has kept the building well maintained and turned it into a living meeting place for residents rather than a purely historical monument for viewing only.

What can visitors see on site?

Visitors can admire the early Baroque structure of the castle, its surrounding park, and the surviving traces of Jan Brokoff's work — sculptures and fountain elements that have survived to the present day. The architecture itself, more modest than that of great aristocratic residences, illustrates well the style of noble seats built in the Central European provinces during the 17th century.

Frequently asked questions

When was Červený Hrádek built? The castle was built in 1655 on the initiative of Jan Adam Hrzán of Harasov, on the site of the earlier Borek stronghold.

Who created the castle's sculptural decoration? Sculptor Jan Brokoff worked here in 1687–1688, producing sculptures, two fountains, and staircase vases.

What historical event is associated with the castle? In 1938, it hosted a meeting between Sudeten German Party representatives and British Lord Runciman during the Sudeten crisis.

Who owns the castle now? Since 1996, the castle has belonged to the town of Jirkov and serves as a cultural and social venue.

Where exactly is the castle located? On the northern edge of Jirkov, in the Chomutov district, at the foot of the Ore Mountains in northwestern Bohemia.