Mnichovo Hradiště (chateau)

The Wallensteins held the chateau until 1945, when it was confiscated by the state thanks to Beneš's decrees, which opened the premises to the public. in 1657 the chateau burned down. Count Arnošt Josef of Valdštejn, who undertook an extensive Baroque reconstruction in 1696 and the plan was prepared for him by the architect Canevalle, plays a major role in the castle's history. The chateau was raised by one floor, another part of the chateau with a clock tower, a sala terrena, an orangery, stables, two main halls and a chateau theater were built. After 1730, the Golden Cabinet was added and the basis of a miniature picture gallery with 112 pictures was also created. In the second half of the 18th century, the Wallensteins brought a unique fireplace with plastic dolphins from a chateau in the Wallenstein forest and placed it in the west wing. Valuable collections, a picture gallery, a porcelain collection and a library with the written remains of the librarian Giacomo Casanova traveled here from the Duchcov chateau.

Unusual corner polygonal towers stand out at the chateau. The Empire theater from the beginning of the 19th century has been preserved to the present day. Another fire engulfed the chateau in 1724 and destroyed the interior decoration. However, the recovery did not delay and began in a very short time. On the sightseeing routes you will get acquainted with the atmosphere of the 18th century. there are family portraits, a home chapel, a music and ladies lounge, a library, the countess' bedroom, etc.

In addition to the historic interiors, there are the Castle Theater and the Lapidary, where you will go to the Church of the Three Kings and the Chapel of St. Anne with the remains of Albrecht of Wallenstein.

Author: Petra Nachtmanová