Klenová Castle

The Gothic castle was built to guard the trade route from Železná Ruda to Bavaria. The first mentions are from 1291, when it was owned by Bohuslav of Klenová. Apart from the moat and the rampart, it had no fortifications, so in the 15th century it was rebuilt, during which the defense of the inner castle was strengthened and a new fortification wall with a fence and a well tower was built. A burgrave's building and a residential building with a chapel were also added. Later a renaissance reconstruction followed. In the 17th century, a long one-storey building was built on the Gothic fortification wall. At the end of the 17th century, the castle ceased to be the center of the manor and began to decay. In 1737, only a few habitable rooms remained. It was not until 1832 that the farm was bought by Count Eduard Stadion Thannhausen, who undertook an extensive reconstruction. He added new premises, restored the old Gothic chapel and the half-demolished prismatic tower, which he finished with pseudo-Gothic battlements. In the first half of the 19th century, Klenová was rebuilt in the romantic style. Since 1963, the castle and chateau have been managed by Galerie Klatovy / Klenová.

Here you can see an exhibition of Czech modern art, historic furniture and interiors from the 19th century, statues of Czech princes, historical clocks, a game machine or a tiled stove with reliefs of mythological figures.

To this day, the defense system with a moat, a rampart and a fortification wall with a prismatic tower has been well preserved.
Near the castle and chateau Klenová stands Rabí Castle, which is one of the largest and most extensive medieval castle complexes, you can also go to Švihov Castle or Velhartice Castle, where the coronation jewels were once preserved.

In winter you can visit the ski areas, which offer many slopes and ski trails.

Author: Marie Bukovinská