Zvíkov Castle

Zvíkov Castle, often called "the king of Czech castles," rises on a steep rocky promontory above the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers, in the municipality of Zvíkovské Podhradí, some 15 kilometres north of Písek in the South Bohemian Region. It ranks among the most important early-Gothic castles in Czech lands, and today the waters of the Orlík reservoir lap at its base, having reshaped the whole valley since the dam was built.

Who built Zvíkov, and why did the Přemyslid kings care so much about it?

Construction of the present castle began under King Wenceslas I in the 1230s; he was fond of staying here and treated Zvíkov as one of his favourite residences. His son, Přemysl Otakar II, carried the work forward, and it was during his reign that most of the inner complex took shape, including the royal palace and its fortification system. When the Přemyslid line died out in 1306, following the assassination of Wenceslas III in Olomouc, the castle passed through several hands, including the lords of Rožmberk and later the Švamberks.

Were the Bohemian crown jewels really kept here?

Tradition holds that during the reign of Charles IV, the crown jewels of the Kingdom of Bohemia were temporarily kept at Zvíkov before Karlštejn Castle — built specifically to guard them — was finished. The place said to have held them is the Hlízová Tower, also known as the Black Tower, the oldest surviving structure in the whole complex, raised around 1230. It stands about 20 metres tall, with walls roughly 3.5 metres thick, and is faced with roughly hewn, bulging blocks of stone — a texture that gave the tower its name, from "hlíza," meaning a knob or lump.

What other towers and buildings defended the castle?

Alongside the Hlízová Tower, two more landmarks define Zvíkov's silhouette: the cylindrical Hláska Tower, added after 1270 to strengthen defences on the approach side, and the so-called Red Tower. At the heart of the site sits the royal palace, arranged around an unusual five-sided courtyard ringed by two tiers of arcades, one on the ground floor and one above — a layout rarely seen in Czech castles of the period.

What makes the Chapel of St. Wenceslas special?

The Chapel of St. Wenceslas has survived in almost untouched form since the 13th century and is considered one of the finest achievements of early-Gothic architecture in Czech lands. It still holds its original vaulting ribs, fragments of wall paintings, and a carved altar — a rare combination for a religious space of this age.

What has the castle lived through over the centuries?

Zvíkov withstood a Hussite siege by Taborite forces in 1429, and in 1622, during the Thirty Years' War, it surrendered to imperial troops. The Schwarzenberg family acquired the estate in 1719, and in the 1840s Prince Karel Schwarzenberg financed a major rescue restoration, during which both the Hlízová and Hláska towers were repaired and the chapel received a new roof.

How can visitors explore Zvíkov today?

The castle opens to visitors seasonally, generally from May to mid-October. Much of the grounds, including the courtyards and outer areas, can be visited free of charge, while entry to the palace interiors — the royal chambers, cellars and an archaeological exhibition — requires a ticket. In summer, theatrical performances take place in the courtyard, and the castle is also hired out for conferences and weddings.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Zvíkov called "the king of Czech castles"? Because of its dramatic, hard-to-reach position on a promontory above the meeting point of two rivers, and its status as a residence favoured by successive Přemyslid kings.

Which is the oldest tower at Zvíkov? The Hlízová Tower, built around 1230 — the oldest surviving structure in the entire castle complex.

Did the crown jewels really rest here? Tradition says so: they were reportedly kept in the Hlízová Tower before Karlštejn Castle, built purposely for their permanent safekeeping, was completed.

When is the best time to visit? The castle is open seasonally, from May to mid-October; outside that window the palace interiors cannot be visited.