Klášter Castle

Klášter Castle stands in the village of Klášter, part of the small market town of Vilémov in the northern Vysočina Region, not far from Golčův Jeníkov and within sight of the Železné hory (Iron Mountains). It is an unusual case of a residence built directly on the remains of a former monastery — the source of both the village's name and the castle's own.

What stood here before the castle?

Long before any secular building appeared, a Benedictine monastery was founded here in the 12th century, one of the largest houses of the order in Central Europe. Its history was far from peaceful: troops of Rudolf of Habsburg burned it down in 1278, and Hussite forces captured it in 1421. The monastery was finally dissolved in 1575, and Emperor Rudolf II sold the abandoned buildings and surrounding land to private owners.

How did a fortified house rise from the monastery ruins?

In 1578, a fortified house was built on the foundations and walls of the former monastery, meant to guard the newly acquired estate. It took roughly another century for the site to take on a more residential character. In 1684 the Vilémov estate was bought by the Caretto-Millesimo family, and a few years later, around 1689, Václav Ferdinand Caretto-Millessimo replaced the older fortified house with a grand late-Baroque chateau. After later alterations, this is essentially the building that stands today.

Who owned the castle over the following centuries?

The Caretto-Millesimo family kept the estate until the middle of the 19th century, until 1852. Ownership then passed to the Rajský of Dubnice family (also recorded as Reiský), who held it until it was confiscated during the Second World War. After the war, under postwar nationalization, local authorities took over the building and turned it into a school, which operated inside the castle until 1991.

What changed in 1991?

In 1991, after decades under state ownership, the castle was returned to the Rajský of Dubnice family. The building, neglected for years, then underwent a thorough restoration carried out by its returning owners, who brought back its representative character.

What is the castle used for today?

The castle now houses the company Vilémov Business Operation, which uses its interiors mainly for conference and cultural events. Part of the building operates as a castle hotel, with rooms partly furnished with period pieces: the first floor holds two triple rooms, the second floor a triple VIP room, a wedding room, a room with a shared lounge area and kitchenette, a smaller double room with exposed timber beams, and an apartment made up of two connected rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Klášter Castle located? In the village of Klášter, part of the market town of Vilémov in the northern Vysočina Region, close to Golčův Jeníkov and within sight of the Iron Mountains (Železné hory).

Where does the castle's name come from? It was built on the site and out of the walls of a former Benedictine monastery in Vilémov, one of the largest of its kind in Central Europe — "klášter" is simply the Czech word for monastery.

Who built the present chateau? Václav Ferdinand Caretto-Millessimo built it around 1689, after his family bought the Vilémov estate in 1684.

Can you visit or stay at the castle today? Yes — part of it operates as a castle hotel with period-furnished rooms, and the building also hosts conference and cultural events.

Who owned the castle before 1991? The Caretto-Millesimo family until 1852, then the Rajský of Dubnice family until it was confiscated during the Second World War; afterward the building served as a school.