Korozluky Castle

Korozluky Castle is a classicist-turned-Neo-Renaissance mansion perched on the southern slope of Jánský vrch hill above the village of Korozluky, in the Most district of the Ústí nad Labem Region. Decades of decline followed by a determined private restoration turned it into one of the rarest architectural gems in the Czech Republic: a countryside villa styled after an Italian Renaissance palazzo.

How do you get to Korozluky Castle?

Korozluky lies about 7 km southeast of Most, 31 km southwest of Ústí nad Labem, and 66 km northwest of Prague. Driving is the most practical option, since the village sits off the main highways — the trip from Most takes only a short while by car. Travelers relying on public transport can catch regional buses running from Most toward smaller towns in the district; the castle sits on a hillside above the village and is visible well before you arrive.

What is the history behind the castle?

The site's story stretches far beyond the current building. A medieval fortified settlement once stood here, first recorded in 1408, before falling into disrepair and disappearing. The present structure's history begins around 1775, when František Václav Rajský of Dubnice, governor of the Litoměřice region, built a late-Baroque, single-story manor house on the site.

Ownership changed hands several times over the following decades. In 1786 the property was sold at a judicial auction to settle debts, and in 1806 knight Václav Beníšek of Dobroslav rebuilt the house into the landmark that came to define the village. The real transformation came after 1848, when the estate passed to the Fleischman brothers of Most, beer brewers by trade, who remodeled it in the Neo-Renaissance style of an Italian Renaissance villa. That rebuild is what makes the castle so distinctive today — only two buildings of this kind survive anywhere in the Czech Republic.

From 1887 the estate belonged to the Richter family. Josef Richter laid out an extensive garden around the mansion and built the Chapel of St. Joseph within it; the family kept ownership until 1945. After 1989, the property was awarded to Miroslav Perout as restitution compensation, and over eight years of dedicated work he brought both castle and garden back to life. Since 1987 the building has been protected as a cultural monument.

What can you actually see there?

The castle shows off its Neo-Renaissance facade, modeled on Italian villa architecture, set within a historic garden anchored by the Chapel of St. Joseph. Restoration work is still ongoing, so the site is mainly open on weekends. Its calendar includes guided tours, church ceremonies and weddings, art exhibitions, concerts, summer theater performances, and other seasonal cultural events.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the ongoing repairs and limited opening hours, weekends during the summer season are the best bet — that's when concerts and summer theater performances fill the garden grounds. It's also when the surrounding greenery looks its best, and the cultural program lets you experience far more than just the building's facade.

Frequently asked questions

Is Korozluky Castle open to visitors? Yes, though because restoration work is still underway, it's mainly accessible on weekends.

What makes the castle's architecture unusual? Its mid-19th-century Neo-Renaissance remodel gave it the form of an Italian Renaissance villa — only two such buildings exist in the whole Czech Republic.

Who looks after the castle today? Since the 1990s it has been privately restored by Miroslav Perout, who received the property as restitution compensation.

What kind of events take place at the castle? Weddings and church ceremonies, art exhibitions, concerts, and summer theater performances are all held on the grounds.