Zámek Býchory

Zámek Býchory, a neo-Gothic mansion in the village of Býchory in the Kolín region of Central Bohemia, carries the story of the Horský family, violin virtuoso Jan Kubelík, and his son, conductor Rafael Kubelík — and today it's being reborn as private apartments.

Where is Býchory and how do you get there?

Býchory lies roughly 13 km north of Kolín, in the Central Bohemian Region. Driving is the easiest option — about 50 minutes from Prague, or a short hop from Kolín itself. By train from Prague, the nearest station is around 35 minutes away, though covering the last few kilometres to the village usually means a taxi or local bus, since direct connections are infrequent. Check the timetable before setting out, as services on this line don't run often.

Who built the castle and why?

The land had belonged to Jakub Veith since 1829, when he bought it from the royal chamber. In 1862 František Horský acquired the ailing estate and turned it into a profitable farming operation — a success that earned him hereditary nobility in 1873. Rather than pour money into renovating the old manor in Kolín, he chose in 1865 to build an entirely new family seat at Býchory. Vienna-based architect Moritz Hinträger drew up the plans, and the resulting English neo-Gothic building was named Horskýsfeld, after its founder.

What happened to the castle after the Horský family?

Ownership shifted again after the tragic death of a later owner's daughter in 1897. On 3 March 1904, the estate was bought by celebrated violinist Jan Kubelík, who moved in with his wife Marianna. It was here, in 1914, that their son Rafael Kubelík — later one of the twentieth century's leading conductors — was born. In 1916, in the middle of the First World War, the Kubelík family relocated to Slovakia, and the castle passed to Eugen and Johana Tauber, a Prague wine-merchant couple.

Why can't you visit the castle today?

After nationalisation in 1948, the building housed a chemical school, then a children's home, then an educational institute in succession — communist-era alterations left a heavy mark on its appearance, even though the complex has carried heritage protection since 1958. Restitution returned it to the original family's descendants in 1990, but without funds for a full restoration the building kept declining for decades.

The site is now under construction as "Rezidence Chateau Býchory," a private residential project converting the historic buildings into around a dozen apartments. That means the interior is off-limits to visitors — the castle is best appreciated from outside, as a stop on a drive through the Kolín countryside or on a trail tracing the Kubelík family's story. Its turrets, crenellated cornices and the asymmetric massing typical of the style are all visible from the road and the edge of the surrounding park.

Frequently asked questions

Was Rafael Kubelík really born at Zámek Býchory? Yes. The future conductor was born at the castle in 1914, while his parents — violinist Jan Kubelík and Marianna — owned the estate.

Who built the castle at Býchory? It was built in 1865 for František Horský, to a design by Viennese architect Moritz Hinträger, which is why it was originally known as Horskýsfeld.

Can you tour the castle today? No — the buildings are currently being converted into private apartments, so the interior isn't open to the public.

How far is Býchory from Prague? About 50 minutes by car, or roughly 35 minutes by train to the nearest station, with a further short trip needed to reach the village itself.