Chropyně (chateau)

The castle stands on the site of a medieval fortress of the water type, which was not suitable for living at the end of the 16th century. In 1615, a two-storey Mannerist building with a chapel and a tower was built. At the beginning of the 18th century and subsequently in the 1950s, it underwent reconstructions, which contributed to its current appearance. Coffered ceilings were installed and romantic alterations were made. After the middle of the 19th century, it served as a hunting lodge for Archbishop Cardinal Bedřich of Füfstenberk. The original onion-shaped helmet of the tower roof was destroyed by fire at the end of the 19th century. It was replaced by the already characteristic needle-shaped roofing.

On the first floor you can see the Knight's Hall, where a large collection of weapons and a set of pewter dishes is gathered, as well as the Barley Hall. The other rooms are dedicated to the history of the town of Chropyně. The second floor brings a look into the life of the local native, painter, sculptor and graphic artist Emil Fila.

The legend of Ječmínek is attached to the chateau. According to her, a long time ago, a margrave who ruled wisely lived in Chropyně, and his subjects liked him. Over time, however, the margrave fell in love with the noisy life in the company of friends, and they often set out on hunts, during which they trampled and destroyed the crop. The subjects went to beg to the castle, but the lord had them expelled. His mistress stood up for her subjects, begging for them, but the margrave threatened to expel her as well. When the master's behavior could no longer be endured, the subjects decided to get rid of him. But they loved the lady and so they warned her. But she still loved her wife and, for fear of his life, told him everything. The margrave became angry and drove out his sweetheart. The lady disappeared in a field of barley. In the evening, the peasants invaded the castle, looted it and killed the margraves. Soon there were harvests, during which the farmers found a beautiful lady with a baby in the barley. They housed her on the farm, and only then did she tell them that she was the wife of the evil margrave and the child his son. She said that when they were at their worst, her son would show up with the army to drive out the enemy.

Author: Marie Bukovinská