Explore the Most Stunning Historical Destinations

Forget about popcorn and air conditioning – castle theatres provide a lot more than just typical performances. These venues are charming time capsules filled with elegance and history, featuring creaking floorboards that have been graced by members of numerous noble families. Join us as we explore the smallest and most enchanting castle stages where the elite once performed, and now captivate curious tourists.
Where will we take you? To the most fascinating castle theatres in Český Krumlov, Valtice Castle, and Litomyšl Castle, along with some less-known ones. You’ll uncover complete historical sets, decorations, and costumes that were once used to entertain the aristocracy about three centuries ago.

Baroque Castle Theatre in Český Krumlov

Nestled in the heart of Český Krumlov, between the lovely castle garden and the grand Plášt’o Bridge, lies a unique theatrical treasure. The castle’s baroque theatre is one of the world’s best-preserved Baroque theatres and boasts the original building, orchestra pit, stage, machinery, and a collection of costumes, sets, and lighting fixtures. Only four of these 18th-century theatres, complete with their sets and machinery, still exist worldwide, and Český Krumlov’s castle theatre is the oldest. Plus, being part of the castle complex, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Moreover, Český Krumlov Castle Theatre is not just a static display – it continues to serve as a living testament to Baroque art, featuring performances even today, especially during the Festival of Baroque Arts. Its authenticity and state of preservation make it truly singular. Apart from occasional performances during special events and festivals, visitors can take a guided tour of the theatre as part of castle tours. The tour includes an auditorium illuminated by electric candles, where you will learn the captivating history of the Castle Theatre. You will also catch a glimpse of the subterranean machinery that manages scene changes, and view effect machines for simulating wind and rain, leading to the fascinating experience of a live scenery change on stage.
Additionally, the theatre stage featuring a revolving auditorium, set in the picturesque surroundings of the Český Krumlov castle garden near the Bellarie summer palace, is considered a global gem. During summer evenings, you can enjoy open-air opera, ballet, and drama performances. More information about what’s on and upcoming performances can be found at the Český Krumlov Information Centre.

Baroque Castle Theatre in Litomyšl

Worldwide, only four 18th-century theatres with retained scenery and machinery exist. Alongside Český Krumlov, these include two theatres in Sweden and the Baroque castle theatre at Litomyšl Castle. As the second oldest palace theatre in the Czech lands, it served as a venue where nobility mingled with townsfolk for theatrical shows and concerts. Built in 1797, it remained popular until the mid-19th century for plays and concerts. The Count’s family actively participated in the performances, inviting local notables and community members to watch. The theatre remains well-preserved, offering an ambiance reminiscent of the 18th century, including its theatre hall, stage sets, decorations, and lighting. And the best part? Visitors can see the theatre during regular castle tours.

Empire Theatre at Mnichovo Hradiště Castle

In the southern corner of the castle in Mnichovo Hradiště, a former ballroom was transformed into a theatre in the latter half of the 18th century. A significant renovation occurred in 1833, elevating the theatre hall into its current classical style, prompted by the meeting of the States of the Holy Alliance, which included notable figures like Francis I. and Russian Tsar Nicholas I. with their families. During this remodel, the auditorium was modified, the stage expanded significantly, and new decorations were installed. Remarkably, the castle theatre has remained in this form to this day.
This restored theatre, featuring a partially reconstructed engine house and set, reopened for visitors in 2000. It is accessible during regular tours of the castle on the Theatre and Holy Alliance tour. The theatre in Mnichovo Hradiště is a unique representation of classical theatre architecture, serving as a reminder of significant diplomatic gatherings held there.

Restored Baroque castle theatre in Valtice

Naturally, the Liechtenstein family had their own theatre as part of their residence. The last element in the grand Baroque renovation of Valtice Castle during the 17th and 18th centuries was this Baroque castle theatre, which was unfortunately destroyed in the 20th century and later restored between 2014 and 2015. You can explore its backstage and every corner on an experiential tour. Since this version of the theatre is not original, you will get the chance to interact and experiment, attempting to see how scenery changes or how the effects of rain and wind are simulated on stage.
The Valtice theatre was restored using historical sources, period photographs, and inspiration from the few remaining Baroque castle theatres in Europe. In the very spot where one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s compositions premiered, you will have the chance to touch a piece of the rich cultural history of Valtice’s aristocratic residence. Such places are incredibly rare to find worldwide!

Classical Theatre in Kačina

The Chotka family had a passion for theatre, so it was essential to have one at Kačina Castle. Even before the completion of the castle theatre at the north wing of the building, performances were conducted in the main hall of the castle that was temporarily adapted for that purpose. The first documented performance in the new classical castle theatre occurred in 1848. A collection of children’s theatrical costumes and a baroque marionette theatre has been preserved here.
The auditorium of the Theatre in Kačina could seat up to 350 guests. The theatre operated extensively for nearly twenty years, showcasing plays, including those written by Rudolf Karel Chotek (1832-1894), a great-grandson of the castle’s builder and a key figure in the local theatre scene. Contemporary reports revealed that other family members participated in the theatre as actors, musicians, and set designers. Today, the theatre hosts irregular productions and is open to visitors touring the castle.

Castle Theatre on the Goat

Another theatre is located in the Kozel Chateau near Střelné in the Pilsen region, which was built for the Czernin family of Chudenice by Prague builder Václav Haberditz. The north wing of the castle, initially designed as stables, has been transformed into a small theatre reflecting late classicism. This castle theatre has been remarkably preserved to the present day. Between 1986 and 1988, restoration work was performed on the theatre’s decoration, proscenium, and painted backdrops, led by Dobroslav Halata and František Krčmář (decoration), as well as Jana Kremanová, Pavel Novák, Jarmila Adamcová, and Bohumil Vašák (portal and auditorium decoration). You can see the theatre during regular tours of the castle’s interiors.

Castle Theatre in Žleby

Žleby Castle, celebrated for its romantic architecture, also conceals a castle theatre. The tour allows you to observe the theatre hall featuring its original decor, housing one of the few remaining castle theatres from the 19th century, complete with original furnishings, sets, and theatrical costumes.

A small memory of a theatre that does not exist: the castle theatre in Jaroměřice

The theatre was constructed in Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou Castle by the art-loving Count Jan Adam Questenberk (1678-1752). What we know about the theatre hall is that it had a square layout, situated at the end of the south-eastern cross wing, and was used in 1730 for the first opera performed in Czech by František Antonín Míči.

A trip to the theatre and the castle

Castle theatres are not merely remnants of a bygone era but also settings for contemporary adventures. These are places filled with echoes of history where you can enjoy a seat in a box without the worry of adhering to a strict dress code. Whether your interest lies in the baroque theatre in Český Krumlov, the elegant stage in Litomyšl, or the romantic ambiance of Žleby Castle, it’s clear these theatrical gems are worth exploring.
So gather your guide and, ideally, a group of friends who will appreciate the charming scent of aged wood and the soft rustle of historical costumes. Amid the backdrops, frescoes, and noble daydreams, you might just stumble upon a scene of your own – one where the audience member becomes the star of the journey.