Karlova Koruna

Karlova Koruna was built between 1721 and 1723 for Frantisek Ferdinand Kinsky to designs by Jan Blazej Santini-Aichel and executed by Frantisek Maxmilian Kanka, and its plan is a geometrical exercise of the kind Santini liked: a central cylinder containing a tall oval hall, with three wings radiating from it at equal angles, set on a low hill so the mass reads as a crown - the name commemorates a visit by Charles VI in 1723, on his way to be crowned in Prague. The central hall rises the full height of the building with a gallery and a dome. The Kinsky family held it until 1948 and again since 1992, and the interiors show family portraits, hunting material and an exhibition on the Kinsky horse, the pale-gold breed developed on these estates. The park around is English landscape with old trees.

What you actually see

• A three-armed crown plan - wings radiating at equal angles from a central cylinder.
• A full-height oval hall - rising through the building under a dome.
• Santini's geometry - the numerical and figural scheme behind the layout.
• The Kinsky horse - the pale-gold breed developed on the estate, exhibited here.

When to go

April to October. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Guided tours only, seasonal, closed in winter. It is small - the plan is the point rather than the number of rooms. The town is modest with limited food.

Nearby

Hradek u Nechanic is north-east; Hradec Kralove is beyond it.