Hořovice Castle

Hořovice Castle is a Baroque-turned-Classicist residence standing at the heart of the town of Hořovice, in the Beroun district of the Central Bohemian Region. Listed as a national monument of the Czech Republic, it is the town's principal sight — and should not be confused with the older Old Castle nearby, a medieval stronghold that had already lost its residential role by the 17th century.

Where is the castle located?

The building sits right in the town centre, surrounded by a park, a short walk from the main square. Its coordinates are roughly 49.838°N, 13.909°E. Hořovice lies in the Podbrdí area between Prague and Plzeň, making the castle an easy stop for anyone travelling across Central Bohemia.

How did the castle come to be?

From a medieval stronghold to a new seat of power

Hořovice already had a castle — what is now known as the Old Castle — but around the middle of the 17th century the Martinic family chose to build an entirely new and far more representative residence. This new castle went up around 1652 at the initiative of Ignác Bořita of Martinic, after which the older fortress was relegated to administrative and farm use.

Nearly two centuries under the Vrbna family

In 1685 the estate passed to the Vrbna family, who ruled Hořovice for more than a century and a half, until 1852. It was under the Vrbnas that the castle was significantly expanded and enriched with features that still define its character today, including gateways and stone carvings attributed to the circle of Matyáš Bernard Braun, one of the most important Baroque sculptors active in the Czech lands.

The Princes of Hanau-Schaumburg and the 19th-century rebuilding

After the Vrbnas, the estate passed to the Hessian Princes of Hanau-Schaumburg, who owned it until 1945. During this period, chiefly in 1856–1868 and again in 1922–1923, the castle underwent extensive reconstruction that gave its interiors the classicising look and the layout of state rooms still seen today.

The 20th century and the castle today

Following the confiscation of the family's property after the Second World War, the castle became state-owned. It is now administered by the National Heritage Institute and its interiors are open to the public through regular guided tours.

What can visitors see inside?

The visitor route is split into three separate circuits, letting guests choose the scope of their visit. The first leads through the state rooms and formal reception halls, the second shows the private apartments of the former owners, and the third is devoted to a unique collection of historic toys and games. Along the way, visitors can see a hunting salon lined with trophies, the castle library, a historic kitchen, and a collection of mechanical music boxes and instruments rarely found together in a single Czech castle.

Frequently asked questions

Who built Hořovice Castle? The new castle was built around 1652 by Ignác Bořita of Martinic, replacing the town's older medieval stronghold, which still stands separately today as the Old Castle.

Which family owned the castle the longest? The Vrbna family held it the longest, for more than 160 years between 1685 and 1852, and is responsible for most of its Baroque decoration.

Are the Old Castle and Hořovice Castle the same building? No. They are two separate buildings a few hundred metres apart. The Old Castle lost its residential role as early as the mid-17th century and was used for administrative and farm purposes, while the castle described here remained the owners' main seat.

Can the castle be visited? Yes, it is open for guided tours along three themed circuits covering the state rooms, the private apartments, and the toy and music-box collection.

Who manages the castle today? Since the property was confiscated after 1945, the castle has belonged to the Czech state and is cared for by the National Heritage Institute.