Jemniště Chateau

Jemniště Chateau is a Baroque residence set on a low hill in the Benešov district of Central Bohemia, right next to the village of Lísek, which for over a century belonged administratively to the Jemniště municipality. The chateau and the village share the same cadastral territory, so despite the different names, Jemniště is effectively the local landmark for anyone staying in or passing through Lísek.

Where did the estate come from?

The first written mention of Jemniště dates back to 1381, when the estate belonged to Beneš of Cimburk, who began styling himself "of Jemniště." At that time the noble seat was not the chateau visitors see today, but a moat-encircled Gothic stronghold that still stands in a nearby village and is known locally as the "old castle." The Baroque building was constructed later, on a different, neighbouring hillock.

Who built the chateau that stands today?

In 1717 the estate was purchased by Count František Adam of Trauttmansdorff, who wanted a residence that matched his standing as a prominent nobleman. He commissioned the celebrated Czech architect František Maxmilián Kaňka to design a new building. Construction began around 1724, and by October 1725 the chateau chapel was already finished enough to be solemnly consecrated — an unusually fast pace for a project of this scale. A fire in 1754 damaged part of the interiors, which were later restored with the help of two leading Baroque artists: painter Václav Vavřinec Reiner and sculptor Matyáš Bernard Braun.

How did the Sternberg family come to own it?

In 1868 the estate was bought by Zdeněk Sternberg, a member of one of the oldest Czech noble families, whose lineage traces back to the early twelfth century. The Sternbergs held Jemniště until 1943, when, under Nazi occupation, they refused to accept German citizenship. The communist regime nationalised the property in 1951. The family finally reclaimed the chateau in 1995, and today Jiří Sternberg lives there with his family — the left wing remains their private home, while the rest of the building is open to visitors.

What can you see inside?

The guided tour covers nine halls, several rooms, and the Chapel of St. Joseph. Among the highlights are the Main Hall and a room decorated with Dutch floral Baroque motifs. Much of the furniture and decor is original and restored, including 18th-century chandeliers and household items that once belonged to the estate's noble residents.

What is there to see in the park?

The English-style park surrounding the chateau covers 13 hectares and is worth as much time as the interior tour. It holds rare, imported tree and plant species, a rosarium with a wide variety of roses, an ornamental giardinetto with a fountain, and an alpine garden. A small menagerie — a particular favourite with children — is home to white peacocks, parrots, raccoons, water birds, goats, donkeys, llamas, and even kangaroos.

Can you eat or stay overnight at the chateau?

The site includes an on-site restaurant serving local specialties and a café for a quieter break. There is also a wellness area and apartment-style accommodation, so a visit can easily be combined with a longer stay in this part of the Benešov region.

Frequently asked questions

Are Jemniště and Lísek the same place? No, they are neighbouring locations. Lísek is a village that belonged administratively to the Jemniště municipality between 1850 and 1960 and sits within the same cadastral territory as the chateau.

Who owns the chateau today? Since 1995 it has belonged again to the Sternberg family; Jiří Sternberg lives there with his family, while part of the building is open for public tours.

Can the interior be visited with a guide? Yes, the tour includes nine halls, the chapel, and several rooms furnished with original 18th-century pieces.

Are there animals in the park? Yes, a small menagerie houses peacocks, parrots, llamas, kangaroos, and other animals, making it a popular stop for families.