Karlstejn castle was founded in 1348 by the Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV who personally supervised the construction works and the decoration of interiors. The construction was finished nearly twenty years later when the "heart" of the treasury – the Chapel of the Holy Cross situated in the Great tower – was consecrated in 1365. With the outbreak of the Hussite Wars, the Czech coronation jewels were moved to Karlstejn castle and were kept there for almost two centuries, with some short-time breaks. Located about 20 km southwest of Prague, it is one of the most famous and heavily visited castles in the Czech Republic. Individual buildings of the castle are situated at different height levels expressing their importance. Dominating on the hilltop is the 60m high and separately fortified Great tower built upon massive walls (4-6 m of thickness) that houses the Chapel of the Holy Cross. From there one can step down to the Marian tower, the five-storeyed Imperial palace and come to the Well tower and Burgrave's palace located at the lowest level.
Czech Castle
The Entrance Hall.
Burgrave's palace.
St. Marys Church.
The Audience Hall.
Great Tower.
Click picture for tour of Karlstejn Castle or other attractions in
Czech Republic
Residence Nosticova**** It is a historic 17th century Residence which is located on a small quiet cobblestone street in Mala Strana, just two minutes from the famous Charles Bridge.
