Velhartice Castle

Velhartice was built in the fourteenth century for Busek of Velhartice, a courtier of Charles IV, and its distinguishing feature is structural: the residential palace and the defensive tower block stand on two separate rock outcrops with a ravine between them, and they are linked by a stone bridge of four arches carried on high piers, built as part of the original scheme. No other Czech castle has this, and few in Europe do. The palace side is roofed and holds an exhibition; the Putna tower block on the far side is a shell. Later owners added a Renaissance range and a bastioned outer fortification. The castle appears in Czech literature and film, and it holds concerts and re-enactment in summer. Busek of Velhartice is a figure in Czech historical writing as the courtier trusted with the crown jewels, which is the story told on site.

What's there

• A four-arch stone bridge - linking two castle blocks across a ravine.
• A roofed palace - with the exhibition, facing the tower shell opposite.
• A Renaissance range - added later inside the outer fortification.
• A unique arrangement - the bridged pairing has no Czech parallel.

When to go

April to October. Half a day.

Practical notes

Guided tours only, seasonal, closed in winter. The bridge and the tower side are exposed. The village is small with limited food and parking. Event days change the ticketing.

Nearby

Susice is east; Kasperk castle is south.

Key facts