Křivoklát Castle

Křivoklát Castle stands on a rocky spur above the Berounka river valley, in the village of the same name in the Rakovník district of Central Bohemia. It is one of the oldest and most recognizable royal strongholds in the Czech Republic, first mentioned in writing in 1110 in Cosmas's Chronicle.

How did a hunting lodge end up here?

The site's origins go back to the 12th century, when the Přemyslid dynasty kept a timber-and-earth hunting lodge on this spot. The surrounding forests were among the richest royal hunting grounds in Bohemia, and that role shaped the place from the start — it was built as a retreat for royal hunts and court stays, not as a border garrison.

When did it become a proper royal residence?

The rebuilding in stone began under Přemysl Otakar I and continued under his son Wenceslaus I, but it was Přemysl Otakar II who, in the second half of the 13th century, turned Křivoklát into a substantial royal residence. From then on the castle served as a full royal seat, used for hunting expeditions and for housing the court away from Prague.

What was added during the Jagiellonian period?

The castle's architectural high point came between 1471 and 1516, under King Vladislaus Jagiellon. That building programme produced the Chapel of St Catherine, the library wing and the Great (Knights') Hall — one of the largest halls of its kind anywhere in Central Europe. Together these spaces are regarded as one of the best-preserved late Gothic interior ensembles in the Czech Republic: the chapel is notable for its vaulting and painted decoration, the hall for its unsupported span.

Why did the castle become a prison?

From the 16th century onward, Křivoklát gradually stopped functioning as a permanent royal residence, even though it remained crown property. It was increasingly used as a state prison for politically or religiously significant prisoners. Among those held here were Jan Augusta, bishop of the Unity of the Brethren, and Edward Kelley, the English alchemist active at the court of Rudolf II. Kelley attempted to escape from the castle and broke his leg so badly during the attempt that it later had to be amputated.

Who has looked after the castle since?

Over the following centuries Křivoklát passed between several noble families, most notably the House of Fürstenberg, who assembled an extensive library of tens of thousands of volumes here, including rare manuscripts, early printed books, maps and a collection of Bibles. Today the castle belongs to the Czech state and is administered by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ), which runs it as a museum open to visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Křivoklát Castle located? In the village of Křivoklát, in the Rakovník district of Central Bohemia, on a hill above the Berounka river, surrounded by the forests of the former royal hunting grounds.

How old is the castle? The original hunting lodge dates to the 12th century, while the stone royal residence took shape in the 13th century under Přemysl Otakar II.

What are the highlights of a visit? The Chapel of St Catherine with its late Gothic vaulting and murals, the Great Knights' Hall, and the historic Fürstenberg library.

Was the castle ever used as a prison? Yes — from the 16th century it also served as a state prison, holding figures such as Bishop Jan Augusta and the alchemist Edward Kelley.

Who manages the castle today? It belongs to the Czech state and is administered by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ), which keeps it open to the public.