Article Valtice - castle
Representative baroque castle area
The Valtice castle, surrounded by a large garden, is located on the southern side of the wine-growing town of Valtice.
The entire castle complex was built by members of the Liechtenstein family and became their main residence from the end of the 16th century. A representative Baroque castle building replaced the original Renaissance castle. It is part of the Lednice-Valtice area registered in the UNESCO list.
A magnificent castle
The Valtice Castle, created by the expansion of a castle founded sometime in the 12th century, belonged to the Lichtenstein family from 1387 until expropriation in 1945. Today's castle is a four-winged, two-story structure grouped around a rectangular inner courtyard. It is the dominant feature of the city, and its size and beauty testify even today to the fact that it used to be the residence of one of the most powerful noble families. The castle acquired its current form through expensive reconstructions in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Court of Honor
The space between the castle and the town has the form of a court of honor. It has the form of a court of honor with two symmetrical buildings on the sides. The majesty of the space is enhanced by the entrance staircase and the centrally located fountain. The central axis of the courtyard leads to the entrance portal of the castle with a tower.
A pair of Hercules
The entrance to the courtyard of honor is guarded by two statues of the mythical river Heracles. The entrance to the courtyard of honor is dominated by two statues of Hercules. The left poses with a club in his hand and the three-headed dog Kerber at his feet. The right one is depicted with the skin of an invulnerable Nemean lion on its shoulders.
Inner courtyard
In the middle of the castle building is a paved inner courtyard. The pleasant smell of chocolate from the local chocolate factory wafts through the courtyard.
South facade
The decorated southern facade of the castle was built around 1745. The windows offer a beautiful view of the castle park.
Castle Theatre
The castle theater was built in 1790 as the last larger building in the castle grounds. The construction was carried out in great haste within five months in order to welcome Emperor Leopold II. Theater in 1876 another emperor – Francis Joseph I.
In its time, the theater became the center of cultural events in the city. It fell into disrepair in the second half of the 20th century. After reconstruction in 2015, the theater is in operation again and it is possible to view it or attend a cultural program in it.
French garden
At the beginning of the 19th century, the castle park was expanded and divided into two parts, a regular French garden was created under the windows of the castle.
Chateau park
The park has an area of 25 hectares, around 40 species of conifers and more than 75 species of deciduous trees grow here.
The castle park was founded in 1727 by Josef Václav of Lichtenstein. The park is designed in the form of a natural landscape with far-reaching views and is publicly accessible.
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