Kácov Castle

Kácov Castle is a Baroque chateau perched above the Sázava River right in the centre of the small town of Kácov, in the Kutná Hora district of central Bohemia. Behind its light, elegant 18th-century facade lies a much older story of a medieval stronghold guarding the river crossing.

How do you get to Kácov Castle?

Kácov sits roughly 70 km southeast of Prague, along the road that follows the Sázava valley toward Kutná Hora. Driving is the most convenient option — the chateau stands right by the town's main crossing point, so it's impossible to miss. Travellers without a car can take the railway line running along the Sázava, a route popular with hikers and canoeists who paddle the river in summer; the station is only a short walk from the castle through the town centre.

What will you see there?

The building's current appearance is the result of a major rebuild carried out between 1723 and 1733, commissioned by Princess Anna Marie Franziska of Tuscany, who transformed an older Gothic-Renaissance stronghold into a representative Baroque residence. Before that, a timber-and-stone fortified tower stood on the site, built around the mid-15th century after an earlier fortress on the left bank of the Sázava near Soušice fell into disrepair.

The estate passed through a colourful string of owners. In 1555 it was acquired by Jan Čejka of Olbramovice, whose son Václav significantly expanded the property by buying up surrounding villages and building a large estate. In 1627, during the tenure of Jan Oktavián Kinský, a peasant uprising swept through the region and rebels damaged and plundered the tower. Among later owners was Ferdinand V, the last crowned King of Bohemia, who held the Kácov estate until his death.

After 1918 the chateau became state property and housed the local forest administration offices. Since 2008 it has belonged to the Municipality of Kácov, which has been gradually restoring it — today it houses a museum, an art gallery, and a venue for cultural events, while part of the building still serves residential purposes.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through early autumn is the best window, when the museum exhibits and gallery are open and the surrounding Sázava valley invites walking and canoeing. Summer brings a lively atmosphere as paddlers stop off in Kácov along the river route — pairing a castle visit with a break on the water trail works well. Outside the season, the chateau can mostly be admired from the outside while strolling along the river and through the town square.

What should you know before visiting?

The castle now serves several purposes at once — alongside a permanent historical exhibition, it hosts temporary shows, concerts, and community events organised by the municipality. It's worth checking the current schedule before you go, since some rooms are occasionally closed due to ongoing restoration work tied to the building's revival.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kácov Castle open to visitors? Yes, the building operates as a museum and gallery, though access to individual rooms can vary depending on ongoing renovation work and the cultural events calendar.

How far is the castle from Prague? Kácov is about 70 km from Prague, making it an easy day trip by car or by train along the scenic Sázava valley.

Who built the current Baroque version of the castle? The conversion from a Gothic-Renaissance stronghold into a Baroque residence was commissioned by Princess Anna Marie Franziska of Tuscany between 1723 and 1733.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — the Sázava valley is a popular canoeing and hiking route, and the town of Kácov makes a convenient base for exploring the wider Posázaví region.