Choltice Castle

Choltice Castle is an early Baroque chateau in the small town of Choltice, about 10 km southwest of Pardubice in eastern Czech Republic. This two-wing residence with its chapel of St. Romedius ranks among the more distinctive, if still under-the-radar, historic sites of the Pardubice region and has been listed as a Czech cultural monument since 1964.

How do you get to Choltice Castle?

Choltice sits along the route connecting Pardubice and Chrudim, so the easiest approach is by car or regional bus from Pardubice — the trip takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes. The chateau stands just south of the town centre, surrounded by an extensive park with free, well-marked access. Travellers arriving by train can get off at Přelouč or Uhersko station and continue by local bus or taxi.

What is the history behind the chateau?

The first written record of Choltice dates back to 1285, when Beneš of Choltice — likely a member of the Sedlnický family, who held the local moated stronghold at the time — witnessed a deed confirming a donation by King Wenceslaus II. The fortification itself is documented from 1397. In 1469 it survived an invasion by the Hungarian forces of King Matthias Corvinus, though it was damaged in the process and subsequently rebuilt into a square castle with a tower.

In 1541 the estate passed to Jiří Gerštorf of Gerštorf, while the settlement itself had already been elevated to market-town status sometime between 1532 and 1541. After the family's involvement in the Bohemian Estates Uprising of 1618–1620, the property was confiscated. In 1623 Choltice came into the hands of the Thun-Hohenstein family, first through Kryštof Šimon Thun and then his nephew, Jan Zikmund of Thun-Hohenstein (1594–1646), viceroy of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The Baroque chateau seen today was commissioned by his youngest son, Romedius Konstantin of Thun-Hohenstein (1641–1700), and built between 1678 and 1683 — which is why the castle chapel bears the name of St. Romedius, the founder's patron saint. Art historians generally credit the design to the architect Rossi de Luca of Pisa, with construction and interior decoration carried out by Antonius Nuvolone.

What can you see on a visit?

Two separate tour routes are on offer. The first, lasting about 45 minutes, takes visitors through the state rooms, including the richly decorated chapel of St. Romedius and one of the oldest surviving Baroque pharmacies in the former Bohemian lands. The second route, shorter and aimed mainly at families with children, is a museum dedicated to water sprites combined with a black-light theatre performance, running around 30 minutes. Beyond the chateau itself, it's worth exploring the extensive castle park, which merges into a nearly 70-hectare game preserve featuring rare tree species, ponds, and spots that have served as film locations.

When is the best time to visit?

The main season runs from 1 May, when the castle is open daily except Mondays, from 10:00 to 17:00, with the last admission 30 minutes before closing. In April, September and October, visits are possible for pre-booked groups from Tuesday to Friday. The outer courtyard and the game preserve remain free to access year-round, making Choltice a worthwhile stop even outside the main tourist season.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book tickets in advance? Not during the main season, but keep in mind that the ticket office only accepts cash payments.

How much time should I set aside for a visit? The interior tour alone takes about 45 minutes; if you add the park and game preserve, plan for at least two hours.

Is the castle suitable for children? Yes — the second tour route is a water-sprite museum with a black-light theatre show designed specifically for younger visitors.

Can the castle be visited outside the summer season? Yes, in April, September and October guided group visits are available by prior arrangement, while the park and game preserve stay open all year round.