Svojšín Chateau near Tachov

Svojšín Chateau stands at the upper end of the village of Svojšín on the Mže River, about 7 km west of Stříbra, in the Tachov district of the Plzeň Region. It ranks among the oldest noble seats in Bohemia — although the Baroque building seen today dates only from the 18th century, the story of the site goes back much further.

How old is the history of this site?

Before the present chateau existed, a fortified manor house (tvrz) stood on the same spot. Its existence is not confirmed by written sources, but historians infer it was already a noble residence in the 12th century, based on the architecture of the neighboring Church of Saints Peter and Paul, founded around 1180. That would make Svojšín one of the oldest feudal residences anywhere in the Czech lands. Among the notable figures associated with this earlier residence is Petr Zmrzlík, the royal mint master and celebrated Hussite captain who was a favorite of King Wenceslas IV.

Who built the current chateau, and when?

The building standing in Svojšín today was erected in 1723 by Count Jan Václav Příchovský together with his mother Judita, on the site of the earlier structure. What emerged was a Baroque residence of supra-regional importance, comprising — beyond the chateau itself — a farmstead, gardens and a park. The Příchovský family also produced Antonín Petr Příchovský, Archbishop of Prague from 1763 to 1793, who helped raise the local church to the status of a deanery.

How did ownership of the chateau change over time?

After the Příchovský family, the estate was bought at auction by the knight Josef Bigatto of Cheb, who then passed it on to the royal chamberlain Karl Antonín Juncker. The Juncker family administered Svojšín until 1935. The next owner, until 1945, was Dr. Klement Podevils. After the Second World War, much of the chateau's furnishings were removed — among the items said to have been lost was a bed reputedly once used by Albrecht von Wallenstein, though this remains a local legend rather than a documented fact.

What can visitors see at Svojšín today?

The interiors retain elements of Baroque decoration, including marble fireplaces and a grand hall lined with embossed leather wall hangings. An elevated corridor connects the chateau to the neighboring Church of Saints Peter and Paul, which combines Romanesque and Baroque features. The building has been protected as a cultural monument since 1964. It is now owned by the municipality and is being gradually restored and opened to visitors — the renovated interiors house a portrait gallery of past owners and a small exhibition on the chateau's history. In August, the chateau is typically open to visitors on weekends and holidays, from 13:00 to 17:00. The municipality plans a fuller restoration with the aim of eventually turning the building into visitor accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Svojšín Chateau located? At the upper end of the village of Svojšín on the Mže River, about 7 km west of Stříbra, in the Tachov district of the Plzeň Region.

When was the current chateau built? In 1723, commissioned by Count Jan Václav Příchovský and his mother Judita, on the site of an earlier fortified manor house.

Was there an earlier building on the site? Yes — historians believe a fortified residence stood here as early as the 12th century, based on the architecture of the neighboring Church of Saints Peter and Paul, founded around 1180.

Who were the chateau's owners over the centuries? The Příchovský family (which included Prague Archbishop Antonín Petr Příchovský), the knight Josef Bigatto, the Juncker family until 1935, and Dr. Klement Podevils until 1945.

Can the chateau be visited today? Yes, though on a limited basis — in August it is typically open on weekends and holidays from 13:00 to 17:00, while the municipality continues its gradual restoration.