- Address: Na Příkopech 320, 388 01 Blatná, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 383 422 934
- Website: zamek-blatna.cz
- Architectural style: Neo-Gothic
- Architect: Benedict Reith
- Foundation date: the end of the XII century.
- The cost of visiting: adults: $ 4.6, children under 15 - $ 2
- Working hours: daily 10: 00-16: 00 (on holidays, the schedule may vary)
In the Czech city of Blatna, surrounded by lakes is the castle complex of the same name. It was built right in the middle of the swamps and bogs, which gave it its name (in the Czech language, "blata" means a marsh or swamp). Now Blatna Castle is one of the most important monuments of architecture and is one of the best preserved water castles in the Czech Republic .
History of the Castle of Blatna
The first mention of the castle complex dates back to 1235. Then it was a stone fortress, decorated in Romanesque style. It was owned by someone Vyshemir, or Vshmir. From the letters of 1241 it can be seen that by this time Blatna Castle was already surrounded by water. There is a legend according to which it originally belonged to knights from the Knights Templar.
From the middle of the 13th to the middle of the 20th century Blatna Castle passed from hand to hand. Only in 1947 it was managed by the National Commission of Monuments of Czechoslovakia. In 1948, the castle complex was nationalized, and in 1992 - returned to the last owners - the family Gildprandt, whose members live in a specially designated house right in the castle park.
Architecture and features of the castle of Blatna
This castle complex is the oldest structure of the lowland type in the Czech Republic . Despite the fact that the official architectural style of the Blatna castle is considered to be neo-Gothic, it also clearly reads the elements:
- Gothic architecture;
- Renaissance;
- baroque.
The dominant castle complex is a four-storeyed tetrahedral tower located in the eastern part. It can be accessed through a lancet entrance to which a stone bridge is connected. In the south-eastern part of Blatna Castle there is a chapel of the Virgin Mary and St. Ondřej, decorated in the Neo-Gothic style and reconstructed in 1878. Restoration was carried out by Bernhard Grueber. In the western wing there is a Romanesque chapel.
From the southern and northern side to the castle of Blatna adjoin:
- Rozhmital Palace, built in the Renaissance-Neo-Gothic style;
- Gothic palace of Reutov;
- The Rozdrakh palace.
In the 20s of the XIX century, the western wing was partially dismantled, as a result of which the shape of the castle complex resembled a horseshoe.
Excursions in the castle of Blatna
Despite the fact that the castle complex was returned to the family Gildprandt, it is still open to tourists. Visit Blatna Castle in the Czech Republic can be independently, as part of public events or excursions . As a tourist here you can visit only in the period from April to October. At this time in the local halls are exhibited collections of weapons, family portraits and late Gothic frescoes.
On the territory of the castle Blatna, an area of 42 hectares is divided into a dense park. Here you can walk along the bridges and paths or relax in the shade of age-old oaks. The green deer graze the deer, which visitors feed directly from their hands. In the vicinity of the castle you can fish or ride a bicycle.
How to get to Blatna Castle?
This ancient architectural building is located on an island surrounded by parks and lakes. From the center of the castle Castle Blatna is only 360 m away, so the distance can easily be overcome on foot. Those who travel by car should take the street Na Příkopech.
Tourists interested in how to get to Blatna Castle from the capital of the Czech Republic can use public transport or a taxi. There is no direct communication between the cities, so it will be necessary to make a transfer in Strakonice. From here comes the fast train No.OS 17909, which arrives in Blatna in 45 minutes. The fare is $ 2.3.