Hodkov Castle

Hodkov is a small village that forms part of the Zbraslavice municipality, in the Kutná Hora district of the Central Bohemian Region, roughly 4 kilometres southwest of the centre of Zbraslavice. It suits travellers who prefer quiet, lesser-known corners of Czechia over crowded, headline castle sites — the history here is more hidden, but it can still be traced in the landscape.

What is the history behind Hodkov?

Hodkov was once home to three separate noble residences. The oldest was a fortified manor (tvrz), first recorded in written sources in 1414. It was abandoned in the mid-16th century, and by the end of the 18th century its stone structures had been dismantled, with the material reused for construction elsewhere in the area. All that remains today is an earthwork site, protected as a heritage monument. The second residence disappeared entirely, leaving no lasting visible trace.

The third and youngest residence was created after 1850 by converting an administrative building. It was thoroughly rebuilt in 1912 for Alfréd Šebek, with architect F. Woretzsche involved in the reconstruction. This building — now known as the Hodkov chateau — has survived to the present day, but it remains privately owned and is not open to visitors.

What can you actually see there?

Since the chateau is private property, a visit is limited to viewing the building from the outside — an early 20th-century structure set within the rural landscape of Central Bohemia. History enthusiasts can also seek out the remains of the older fortified manor: an earthwork site that, despite its modest form today, still hints at the medieval origins of the settlement. This is a destination better suited to fans of regional history and quiet countryside walks than to anyone hoping for elaborate interiors.

How do you get to Hodkov?

Hodkov lies close to Zbraslavice, within the Kutná Hora district. The most convenient way to reach it is by car, using the local roads connecting Zbraslavice with the surrounding villages — there is no frequent direct public transport link, so it is best visited with your own transport or as part of a wider trip around the Kutná Hora region.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the nature of the site — an open countryside setting with a monument seen mainly from the outside — spring and autumn are best for comfortable walking, while summer works well if you are combining Hodkov with a longer route around other sights in the Kutná Hora region.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the interior of the chateau in Hodkov? No. The building is privately owned and its interior is not open to the public.

How old is Hodkov? The oldest residence in Hodkov, the fortified manor (tvrz), is first documented in 1414, though the settlement itself may be older.

What is the difference between the old tvrz and today's chateau in Hodkov? They are two different structures on the same site. The tvrz was a medieval fortified manor, of which only an earthwork remains. The chateau is a much younger building, created after 1850 and substantially rebuilt in 1912.

Where exactly is Hodkov located? In the Zbraslavice municipality, Kutná Hora district, Central Bohemian Region, about 4 km southwest of Zbraslavice.