Zlonice Castle

Zlonice Castle (also known as Štáf) stands in Břešťany, a hamlet belonging to the municipality of Zlonice in the Kladno district of the Czech Republic.

When did the castle's story begin?

The earliest written record of a fortified seat on this spot dates back to 1352, when the stronghold carried the German name Štáf; it was most likely established as a royal castle sometime in the 14th century. Ownership and purpose shifted over the following two centuries until, around the mid-16th century, the estate passed to the Valkoun of Adlar family.

A Renaissance transformation

It was the Valkouns who shaped the residence into something resembling its present form. Around 1560, Václav Valkoun of Adlar carried out a thorough rebuilding, turning the old stronghold into a family seat. The real high point came after 1601, when Bohuchval Valkoun of Adlar took over the estate and immediately began converting it into a Renaissance chateau. Two arcaded wings were added: the north and west wings rose to two storeys, while the east wing remained single-storey. The result was an impressive complex, one of the more notable manor houses in the Kladno region.

What happened once the castle stopped being a noble residence?

The building served as a manorial seat until 1758, when a fire swept through it. Afterward it was converted for practical use, housing offices and apartments rather than a noble household. A further round of alterations in 1883 erased much of the Renaissance appearance — the characteristic arcades were bricked up, changing the look of the courtyard facade.

Is there a connection to composer Antonín Dvořák?

Not directly to the castle building itself, but the town has a strong link to him. Between 1853 and 1856, the young Antonín Dvořák lived in Zlonice, studying under the local organist Antonín Liehmann. A dedicated museum, the Antonín Dvořák Memorial, commemorates this period; it occupies a separate historic building in town, a Baroque infirmary dating from 1745. Visitors touring Zlonice Castle often combine it with a stop at the memorial, since the two sit within easy walking distance of each other.

When can you visit Zlonice Castle?

Access follows a limited schedule that reflects the building's current, partly administrative use. On Mondays and Wednesdays it opens from 8:00 to 11:00 and again from 13:00 to 17:00, while on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays the hours are 8:00 to 11:00 and 13:00 to 16:00. Because the windows are fairly narrow and split by a midday break, it's worth planning a visit in advance rather than dropping by unannounced.

Frequently asked questions

Is Zlonice Castle the same place as Štáf Castle? Yes — Štáf is the historical German name for the same fortified site that later grew into today's castle building.

How many floors does the castle have? Following the early 17th-century rebuilding, the north and west wings had two storeys each, while the east wing had one.

Can visitors still see the original Renaissance arcades? Not fully — the 1883 renovation had the arcades bricked up, so the Renaissance character of the facade is less visible today than it was in the 17th century.

Are there other historical attractions near the castle? Yes, the Antonín Dvořák Memorial in Zlonice honors the years the composer spent in the town as a young man.