..after walking through this mornings Market, I took the Metro to Smichov Train Station, boarded the Train and went south to Beroun and then onto Křivoklat Castle.
Křivoklat Castle is located about 40 km west of Prague. It was built here in the 13th century during the rule of Premysl Otakar II as a summer seat and hunting lodge for royalty. In 1422 the Křivoklat Castle was damaged by Hussites and later, in the years 1493 - 1522, restored by King Vladislav Jagiello, who built the vaulted Gothic hall that has many resemblances with the famous Vladislav Hall at the Prague Castle.
Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV spent his early childhood here before being sent off to France. The Habsburgs used the Křivoklat Castle as a prison. In its round tower English alchemist Edward Kelley was incarcerated for two and a half years for failing to reveal the secret of the philosopher's stone to Rudolf II.
Today the castle serves as museum, a place of theatrical exhibitions and houses collections of hunting weapons, Gothic paintings and books.
No comments:
Post a Comment