Karlstejn Castle

Karlštejn, is located only about 25km from Prague.

I arrived this morning around 10am as the morning mist was just clearing from the Berounka river and the surrounding hills. It turned out to be one of those Amazingly Brilliant and Beautiful Autumn days.

Karlštejn was built from 1347-1355 according to the plans of guy named: Matyas from Arras. It is termed a "high" Gothic Castle( and not due to its Height). It towers above the Berounka river on a huge limestone rock, is unique among all Czech Castles due to its historical significance with Charles IV, its robustness and architecture.

Karlštejn was not built to become an administrative centre or royal town but was built as a location to keep the royal treasury as well as relics and Imperial Crown Jewels. The Czech Crown Jewels were eventually brought to Karlštejn as well.

The castle got its name after its founder, Charles IV; the Czech King and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

What makes it fascinating, other than its size, are the original wall decorations and paintings which date back to the 14th century. Interesting as well is the whole collection of 129 panel paintings by Master Theodoric in the Chapel of the Holy Cross (the worlds largest of its kind), and the largest portrait gallery of Czech rulers in the country(If you wanted to see them all!)