Private Guide in Prague:Igor Marinko
Member Since 2004
Country: Czech Republic
City: Prague
Airport Transfer: NO
Hotel Reservation: NO
Translation Service: NO
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Karlstejn Castle
Private Tour Guide in Czech Republic: Igor Marinko
The castle, exceptional even among the Czech castles, not only for its historical significance but also due to its robustness and architecture. It was established by the Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1348, who gave it the role of the treasury for the coronation insignia and the most valuable relics of the Holy Roman Empire. The basic construction of the Karlštejn castle took more than seven years, and the internal adjustments of the Chapel of the St. Cross were prolonged until 1365. The castle fortification ought to have resisted any attacks in its time, which was confirmed in 1422 when Karlštejn was besieged by Prague citizens. By decree of the Caesar Rudolf II the damaged castle buildings were repaired at the close of the 16th century but in spite of this a gradual deterioration of Karlštejn began just then. In 1619 the coronation jewels together with the archives were taken away to Prague, in 1620 a garrison surrendered the castle to the army of Ferdinand II without a fight and, in 1648, the castle was conquered by the Swedes. The castle's deterioration continued through the 18th century, but the Hapsburg rulers were aware of the historical significance of Karlštejn as well. Therefor the Caesar František II and his son Ferdinand had the most seriously damaged parts repaired. After 1853 the supervision of this work was taken over by a newly established Central Monuments Protection Commission residing in Vienna.
