Nový zámek Libějovice

Nový zámek Libějovice (the New Chateau of Libějovice) is a Baroque country house standing at the edge of the village of Libějovice in South Bohemia, in the Strakonice district, not far from the small town of Vodňany. The building sits about half a kilometre west of the village centre, on a gentle rise with views toward the České Budějovice basin.

How did the chateau come to be?

Construction of the current Baroque chateau was begun in 1696 by Count Filip Buquoy, replacing an older Renaissance manor that had previously stood on the site. The work dragged on far longer than planned: a fire broke out during construction and seriously disrupted the schedule. The building was only finally completed between 1747 and 1754 — more than half a century after the foundations were laid.

The Buquoy family kept Libějovice for several more decades. The last Buquoy owner, Jan Josef Buquoy, eventually sold the estate to Prince Joseph of Schwarzenberg. The new owners had the chateau remodelled in 1816–1817, adding a second storey and updating the facade in the late Empire style — the appearance the building has largely retained ever since.

What happened to the chateau in the 20th century?

The building's story in the last century was turbulent. In 1924, as part of land reform, the estate was sold and the chateau lost most of its original interior furnishings in the process. After 1948 the property and its adjoining park were taken over by the border guard, who used the grounds to train dog handlers. After 1990 the chateau stood abandoned, and it is currently owned by a private real estate company.

Despite this difficult history, the building is listed as a Czech cultural monument and lies within the Libějovicko–Lomecko protected landscape area.

What can you actually see there?

Beyond the Baroque-and-Empire architecture itself, the chateau's biggest draw is the extensive historic park surrounding it — roughly 44 hectares, known for rare and valuable dendrological specimens, including old trees originally brought in from distant regions. A chapel has also survived on the grounds.

It's worth knowing upfront that the chateau building itself has stood unoccupied for years and needs restoration. A civic association called "Zachráníme zámek z.s." ("Let's Save the Chateau") has been working toward rescuing and restoring the property. Regular public access to the interior isn't currently guaranteed, so it's best to check the association's website or contact them through the official chateau site before planning a visit if you're hoping to get inside the building itself.

How do you get there?

Libějovice is located in South Bohemia near Vodňany, an easy trip from České Budějovice. The chateau's address is Libějovice 30, right by the village, so reaching it by car or bicycle from the main road is straightforward. The surrounding park makes for a pleasant, relaxed stop on an afternoon route through the region.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through early autumn is the best window, when the park looks its best and the rare trees and greenery are at their fullest. It's worth following the restoration association's announcements — open days or events tied to the renovation work occasionally happen, offering a chance to see more than just the exterior facade.

Frequently asked questions

Can you tour the inside of the chateau? The building currently stands empty and isn't regularly open to visitors — check with the civic association working on its restoration for the latest access information.

Who built the chateau? It was founded in 1696 by Count Filip Buquoy, on the site of an earlier Renaissance manor house.

Why does the chateau look the way it does today? Its Empire-style facade and second storey date from a 1816–1817 remodelling commissioned by the Schwarzenberg family after they acquired the estate.

What's the main attraction besides the architecture? The 44-hectare park surrounding the chateau, with its rare tree species — a worthwhile stop for a walk even without access to the building itself.