- Address: Zámecká 67, 357 33 Loket, Czech Republic
- Tel: +420 352 684 648
- Website: hradloket.cz
- Founded: XIII century
Loket Castle in the Czech Republic - one of the most valuable monuments, towering above the town of Loket. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the kings of the Czech Republic. Today the castle attracts tourists with bright festivals and gloomy legends.
History of the castle
For the first time Loket Castle is mentioned in the ancient writings of 1234. Who founded the fortress is for certain unknown: perhaps the creator was King Wenceslas I or Vladislav II. The castle was built as an important strategic object on the border with the Germanic lands. In addition, Loket for a long time was the residence of Czech kings. Under King Wenceslas IV, the fortress increased considerably and became the most important fort of the country.
In the XV century, the castle moved to the noble family Shlikov, then fell into decay. In 1822, he was turned into a prison operating for 127 years. Since 1968, Loket is a cultural monument and a museum . In 2006, the castle hosted bond films, a series of "Casino Royal". In the photo below you can see the panorama of the city and Loket Castle in its very center.
What to see in the castle?
Loket is erected on a rock, and visually it seems that it is an extension of a granite block. A massive rectangle of structure and angular towers with inaccessible walls form an integral harmonious picture. No wonder this castle, towering over the city, is a favorite object of photographers and tourists around the world. Going inside, you can learn a lot of interesting things about the medieval Czech Republic. Excursion to the castle Loket involves the following places:
- First floor. Here is a museum with archaeological expositions. All the exhibits were found on the territory and in the castle itself - these are jewelry, figurines, dishes, etc. In a separate room there are beautiful frescoes dating from the 15th century.
- Second floor. Most of the space is given under the weapons museum. Be sure to visit the main hall, decorated with medieval frescoes and portraits of famous people. The hall is rented, it often holds marriages and balls. In addition, there is an amazing collection of Czech porcelain.
- The tower is 26 m high. On its guard stands a black dragon with glowing eyes. There are legends about the fact that he protects the unhidden souls that live in the castle.
- Basement. Fans of tickling nerves should visit the torture rooms of Loket Castle, located in the basement. All of them are preserved practically in their original form - pads, a rack, a wooden cage. It was here that the criminals were tortured when the castle was a prison. For greater plausibility, mechanical mannequins demonstrate all the tortures of prisoners. From the basement around the castle, groans and shouts are heard, so that the tourists feel the whole atmosphere of that difficult time, when the torture chambers were used for their intended purpose. Visitors are allowed to take pictures of chained chains to the wall.
- Patio. During the walk in the courtyard you will see interesting statues of Czech mythology and will witness an unusual performance - imitation of a public execution with the participation of a fragile girl and a real executioner.
- The fortress wall. Walking along it makes it possible to feel yourself in the place of those who stormed this wall and overcame the resistance of steep rocks and armed soldiers. From the narrow loopholes of the tower there is a magnificent panorama of the river at the foot of the cliff and dense forests.
- The Markgrass house. The beautiful attraction of the castle Loket in the Czech Republic is a house in the Romanesque style. After the fire in 1725, it was completely restored. The house has a unique collection of Czech porcelain, there are also gravestones from the Loket cemetery.
- Opera Festival - takes place at the castle every year.
Features of visit
Loket Castle in the Czech Republic is open daily. Hours of his work:
- April-October from 09:00 to 16:30;
- November - March from 09:00 to 15:30.
The cost of a 45-minute excursion in Russian:
- adults - $ 14.32;
- children and students - $ 11.94.
How to get to Loket Castle?
Experience shows that it is easiest to get to Loket Castle from Prague and from Karlovy Vary :
- From the capital:
- bus, daily direct flight from the bus station Florenc at 9:15. The ticket price is $ 28.65;
- by train, daily by direct flight from Praha-Bubny Vltavska station. The journey time is 4 hours 38 minutes;
- independently on the car go to the west direction about 140 km. Travel time 2 hours.
- From Karlovy Vary:
- you can drive by car to Loket in 15 minutes. on the highway E48. After 6 km to exit the ramp 136. The distance between the cities is only 14 km;
- bus line 481810 every 3 hours from Pivovar station, journey time 20 min.