The most beautiful late renaissance complex in the Czech Republic
The Renaissance hunting summer house with a garden, moat, church and ancillary buildings was built for Vilém of Rožmberk between 1583 and 1589 by the architect Baldasssar Maggi of Arogno. The complex, including the richly decorated interiors, has been sensitively reconstructed to its original form and is one of the most important examples of the Italian Renaissance in Bohemia.
Hunting lodge
The Renaissance Kratochvíle chateau was built in the 1680s for the leading nobleman of the Czech kingdom, Vilém of Rožmberk. He wanted the area to become a place of rest, hunting and spectacular festivities and entertainment of noble owners and their guests. And the experienced Italian architect Baldassar Maggi really succeeded.
Hunting lodge
The Renaissance Kratochvíle chateau was built in the 1680s for the leading nobleman of the Czech kingdom, Vilém of Rožmberk. He wanted the area to become a place of rest, hunting and spectacular festivities and entertainment of noble owners and their guests. And the experienced Italian architect Baldassar Maggi really succeeded. After a generous recent reconstruction, this state castle and the well-kept gardens and moat around it once again became a place to find peace and restore mental strength.
Construction in swampy terrain
At the order of Vilém of Rožmberk, in 1583, the Italian builder Baldassaro Maggi of Arogno began building a hunting lodge inspired by Italian villas. However, the construction work did not proceed without complications, as the construction was significantly hampered by swampy terrain. Right at the beginning, due to the swampy terrain, it was necessary to strengthen the foundations of the summer house with 10 meters long oak and alder piles.
Extensive renaissance complex
Despite the construction difficulties, the entire work, including the richly decorated Renaissance interiors decorated with stucco, was completed in just six years, in 1589.
Moat
The castle is surrounded by a charming, well-kept Renaissance garden with a moat. Occasional theatrical performances take place in the garden and moat.
Vilém of Rožmberk and Jakub Krčín
It is interesting that on the site of the current chateau there was originally a farmyard with a hunting ground, which belongs to the famous pond builder Jakub Krčín. Vilém of Rožmberk liked the place so much that he exchanged the court with the game park with Krčín for the town of Sedlčany.