Švihov Castle

Švihov Castle is a Gothic water castle in the town of Švihov, in the Klatovy district of the Plzeň Region, about 30 km south of Pilsen in the Úhlava river valley. It is one of the best-preserved fortifications of its kind in the Czech Republic and holds the status of a national cultural monument.

Who built the castle, and when?

The castle was commissioned by Půta Švihovský of Rýzmberk, the supreme royal judge and one of the most influential nobles at the court of King Vladislaus II Jagiellon. Construction of the present building took place mainly between 1480 and 1489, replacing an earlier stronghold on the same site. The works involved Benedikt Ried (Rejt) of Pístov, an architect who was also active on the reconstruction of Prague Castle at the time — older sources sometimes mistakenly refer to him as "Beneš z Loun." After Půta's death the estate passed to his sons, Jindřich and Václav, who were unable to maintain it and gradually lost the family's holdings.

How was the water defense system designed?

Švihov was conceived as a fortification on an artificial island, entirely surrounded by water diverted from the Úhlava river. Its core consists of two palace wings, a chapel, and a staircase tower, arranged around a rectangular inner courtyard. This central complex was protected by an inner ring of walls with four corner bastions and its own moat. A second ring of walls, with a second moat, enclosed the whole site and reinforced its defenses against the increasingly common use of firearms in late-medieval sieges — a design typical of late Gothic water fortifications from the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries.

What can visitors see today?

The castle now operates as a museum with several guided tour routes. One leads through the representative interiors — the Red Bastion, the Lady's Chamber, the ballroom, the chapel, and the armoury. The White Bastion houses an exhibition dedicated to the Czech film "Three Wishes for Cinderella" ("Tři oříšky pro Popelku"), parts of which were shot in the castle courtyard. In season, visitors can also take a rowing boat out onto the moat to see the fortifications from the water. The outer courtyard can be visited free of charge, while access to the interiors requires a paid ticket, and opening hours vary by season.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Švihov Castle located? In the town of Švihov, Klatovy district, Plzeň Region, about 30 km south of Pilsen (coordinates: 49.4788 N, 13.2849 E).

Who built the castle? Půta Švihovský of Rýzmberk, supreme royal judge, between 1480 and 1489, with architect Benedikt Ried (Rejt) of Pístov involved in the construction.

Why is it called a "water castle"? Because it was built on an artificial island surrounded by two rings of moats fed by the Úhlava river — water was an integral part of its defense system, not just a decorative feature.

Is it officially protected as a monument? Yes, Švihov Castle is listed as a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

What is the highlight for visitors inside? The representative rooms in the Red Bastion, the film-themed exhibition in the White Bastion, and, seasonally, a boat trip along the castle moat.