Hluboka Castle

The Czech Republic is full of amazing castles and chateaus in various states of restoration.  I thought I would share an amazing example everyone should visit if they come to the Czech Republic, Hluboka Castle.  Hluboka nad Vltavou is a charming town in Southern Czech Republic and the castle is a popular day trip from Ceske Budejovice.  It is very easy to reach via train, but it drops you off a bit of a ways from the castle.  The walk from the station to the castle is about 50-60 minutes and the last 20 minutes are up steep (and I do mean steep) cobblestone streets.  The hike however is well worth it.  When my friend and I arrived after the journey we sat down in the English park around the castle and ate the wonderfully fresh sandwiches we had purchased earlier in the day when we left Ceske Budejovice.  After a comfortable lunch we decided to check out the castle.  When you walking up to the place it is something you can't describe.  It's more than a fairy tale, it's almost a dream like experience or a Tim Burton film.  One can imagine themselves in a carriage 100 years ago riding up to see this impressive structure of something that was created for a princess, her prince and their closest 200 or so staff members to keep the place tidy.  Walking up to the admissions office the scale dwarfs any human being.  I stand a healthy 6'3 and entering under the carriage way which is at least 20-30 feet tall made me feel diminutive.  While the tour was conducted entirely in Russian (and I speak none) it did not diminish the home, it's history or its presence not understanding the entire history at the time.  The home has its current appearance from the 1840-1871 remodeling in the Neo-gothic style. It was designed and inspired in the style of Windsor castle in England which was a typical fashion of 19th c nobility.  The home is an endless array of dining rooms, salons, libraries and bedrooms,  over 140 rooms to be exact.  The Schwarzenberg family owned the castle until 1939 when they were forced to flee from the Nazis. Ever since the end of WWII it has been owned by the Czech government and a museum. With different parts open in the winter and the summer it may just be worth a few visits to see it all!  Here is their website:   http://www.zamek-hluboka.eu/en/

Exterior view from the English Park

 This hills and countryside around Hluoka.

 Little 6'3 me at the gate

Here's a few images from the Hluboka website to give you an idea of the awesome interiors:

 Enclosed glass staircase.

 This symbol if found throughout the castle.  Apparently it is an old political symbol against the Turks and their rule.

 Yes many animal antlers but until you visit you have no idea.  This castle holds nearly EVERY animal killed since the 1700s and has been mounted on the walls detailing when and who shot them.  There are thousands throughout the castle.

 Staircase

 China Room

 One of the informal dining rooms

 Great Hall

 Greenhouse

Hopefully I have convinced you to visit.  You will never find another one like this place!  More photos can be found at:  http://www.zamky-hrady.cz/1/hluboka-e.htm
If you like what you read and want to see this blog and projects keep going PLEASE feel free to donate something, even if it's only a little bit.  Every little bit helps on this restoration project. Thanks again!