Konárovice Castle

Konárovice Castle is a Rococo residence standing in the village of Konárovice, in the Kolín District of the Central Bohemian Region. The hamlet of Jelen, sometimes linked to this location, is one of the small settlements that make up the municipality of Konárovice, so the castle sits within the same immediate area even though it is formally addressed to Konárovice village itself. The building has been listed as a Czech cultural monument since 1958.

How did the castle evolve over the centuries?

The site's story begins in the early 15th century. Around 1419, Vaněk Sekerka of Choltice built a Gothic fortress here, which was enlarged in 1503 by the next owner, Václav Háša of Újezd. The Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) hit Konárovice hard: the fortress was plundered repeatedly and eventually burned, sitting in ruin for years afterward.

Reconstruction only began when Jan Adam Schofmann of Hemmerlesu bought the estate in 1661 and converted the ruined fortress into an early Baroque castle. The building took its present shape thanks to Alžběta Quasco de Claviers, owner from 1772, who had it rebuilt in the Rococo style in 1775.

What does the castle's architecture look like?

Konárovice is a four-winged building enclosing an irregular, pentagonal courtyard, capped with a mansard roof. The eastern entrance façade spans nine bays and is crowned by a central risalit bearing the coat of arms of the Harrach family, later owners of the estate. Pilasters and entablatures decorate the main façade, and the south wing still carries its original painted sundials from 1775.

Inside, one preserved room features Rococo wall paintings in an oriental style dating from after 1775, and the Knight's Hall is decorated with a Prussian vault. The passage in the eastern wing retains its original iron-bound doors from the 15th–16th century.

The castle underwent another major overhaul in 1928, when electricity was installed, plumbing was modernized, and the garden was expanded with a tennis court and wine pergolas.

Who owns the castle today?

Since 2004, Konárovice has belonged to American actor and producer Crispin Hellion Glover, who uses the estate as a private residence and as the headquarters of his production company, It Incorporated.

Can visitors tour the castle?

No. Konárovice remains private property and is not open to the public — Czech heritage records list it as inaccessible. Visitors can only view the building's exterior and surrounding grounds from a distance, respecting the privacy of its current owners.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Konárovice Castle located? In the municipality of Konárovice, Kolín District, Central Bohemian Region, at approximately 50.03986°N, 15.28538°E.

Are Jelen and Konárovice the same place? Jelen is a small hamlet that forms part of the municipality of Konárovice, so both names refer to the same immediate geographic area.

When was the castle built? The original Gothic fortress dates to around 1419; the present Rococo appearance was achieved in 1775.

Is the castle a protected monument? Yes, it has been listed as a Czech cultural monument since 1958.

Who owns the castle? Since 2004 it has belonged to American actor Crispin Glover, who uses it privately and as his company's headquarters.

Can you go inside? No, the castle is private property and closed to visitors.