Unearth Neo-Gothic Treasures

Several decades back, many historians disapproved of neo-Gothic castles, viewing them as mere copies lacking in originality and style. However, times have changed, and these castles are now celebrated for their captivating architecture, characterized by numerous bay windows, spires, and towers. Featuring pointed battlements, neo-Gothic castles often attract film crews. This is why you might recognize Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle, described on its website as a fairy-tale mansion inspired by the dreams of a beautiful lady, from the film The Proud Princess, along with Hrádek Castle near Nechanice from the fairy tale The Prince and the Evening Star, and Lednice Castle from films like The Kingdom of the Streams, The Dragon Ring, or Princess Fantaghiro.

Hluboká Castle and the Schwarzenbergs’ Tomb near Třeboň

Behind the elegant exteriors of these noble mansions lie powerful stories. For example, before the Schwarzenbergs began their neo-Gothic renovations of the former Baroque chateau in the mid-19th century, the park and surrounding landscape of Hluboká nad Vltavou were tended by Prince Jan Adolf II and his wife, Eleonora, who was originally a Princess of Liechtenstein. They made several trips to England, where the princess developed a fondness for the royal Windsor Castle. This clearly influenced the style of the reconstruction at Hluboká. In the same neo-Gothic style, the Duke and Duchess also constructed the new Schwarzenberg Tomb near Třeboň, where they were eventually laid to rest.

Lednice Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Famous Lednice-Valtice Area

At the same time, Liechtenstein reconstructed Lednice Castle as a grand summer residence reflecting English Gothic influences, and a beautiful chateau park was created around it.

Today, you can explore a palm greenhouse, discover the Fountain of Venice, marvel at a Roman aqueduct, venture through an artificial cave, visit a minaret, and see the artificial ruins of Janohrad. The park seamlessly blends into the stunning landscape of the Lednice-Valtice area, recognized as one of the UNESCO sites.

The Harrachs’ Residence Near Nechanice

Then we have the third neo-Gothic jewel, Hrádek Castle near Nechanice, built by the Harrach family as a summer residence from 1839 to 1857. They were similarly inspired by England and worked with the English architect Edward Buckton Lamb, who designed it in the Tudor Gothic style. The Harrachs also furnished the castle with various antiques, including portals and ceilings, primarily imported from Italy and Austria. Surrounding the castle, they developed a large landscape park, game preserve, and even a pheasantry.

Where Else to Find Neo-Gothic Treasures?

The enchanting Bouzov Castle is another gem. The castle appears to be about a century old and boasts a romantic style filled with fairy-tale halls, spacious rooms, and courtyards complete with battlements, bay windows, overhanging roofs, and grotesque gargoyles. This transformation happened during a major renovation from 1896 to 1910, which included custom-made original furniture accompanied by numerous artistic objects.

You will also find history intertwined with Neo-Gothic architecture at Bor Castle near Tachov. Originally a medieval water castle of the Lords of Švamberk, it was revamped in the 19th century to reflect the popular romantic historicist style known as pseudo-Gothic. The old structures received decorative elements such as battlements, turrets, faux roofs, redesigned windows, and new facades.

The reconstruction also touched places like the Blatná water chateau, Hauenštejn Castle, Chyše Chateau, Raduň Chateau, Sychrov Chateau, and parts of the chateau in Hradec nad Moravicí. The renovation led by Josef Mocker from 1887 to 1905 aimed to restore Karlštejn Castle to its original Gothic splendor. Žleby Chateau captures the essence of old England, while nearby Krásný Dvůr Chateau features a neo-Gothic lookout tower in its park. Neo-Gothic renovations also touched parts of Vrchotovy Janovice Chateau, and the chateau in Spálené Poříčí proudly displays a neo-Gothic tower.

Other Charming Elements in the Neo-Gothic Mosaic

We have introduced you to the renowned “big” Hluboká, but have you heard of the little Hluboká? This refers to the castle in Český Rudolc near Dačice, which was remodeled in the Tudor Neo-Gothic style between 1860 and 1863.

Hluboká, with its towers, cornices, and battlements, also recalls Filipov Castle near Čáslav. However, this castle can only be viewed from the outside, as it now serves as a residence for an Alzheimer’s Centre. The Neo-Gothic Tudor Gothic style is represented by Nečtiny Castle. The modern history of the Neo-Gothic Červený Hrádek Castle near Sedlčany is linked to the Mladot family from Solopisk.

You are warmly welcomed at the neo-Gothic Herálec Chateau, which operates as a luxury hotel, and in Trmice Chateau, where you can explore many model railways. Additionally, you can visit Zruč nad Sázavou Chateau, or the neo-Gothic chateau in Blovice, which houses the Museum of Southern Pilsen. A lesser-known treasure is the Veselí Chateau near Janovice nad Úhlavou, constructed around 1863 on the remnants of an older fortress. It embodies all the charm one expects from a neo-Gothic mansion: a hipped roof, battlements, a main tower, and turrets, all surrounded by an English park.

1. Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle

• Architectural Style: Neo-Gothic, modeled after England’s royal Windsor Castle

• Origins of the Style: Neo-Gothic emerged in mid-18th-century England

• Fun Fact: The 1952 film The Proud Princess was shot among its ornate halls

2. Hrádek u Nechanic Chateau

• Construction Period: 1839–1857

• Style Influence: Directly inspired by English country houses, with crenellated towers and decorative battlements

3. Lednice Castle (Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape)

• UNESCO Status: Part of the Lednice-Valtice area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Park Attractions:

  • Palm greenhouse

  • Venetian fountain

  • Roman aqueduct

  • Artificial cave

  • Minaret

  • Romantic “ruins” of Janohrad

4. Český Rudolc Castle

• Nickname: Often called “Little Hluboká” for its similar white walls and rounded towers

5. Veselí Chateau (near Janovice nad Úhlavou)

• Neo-Gothic Features:

  • Hipped roof

  • Decorative battlements

  • Prominent main tower and smaller turrets

6. Spálené Poříčí Castle

• Historic Role: Once a hiding place for the crown jewels

• Current Use: Serves as an educational facility for a local secondary school