Discover the Enchanting Tribute Tour for Duchess Sophie at Konopiště Castle
On Sunday, 1 March 2026, Konopiště Castle is hosting a unique tour to celebrate the birthday of Duchess Sophie Chotek, a beloved figure and wife of the heir to the throne. This special evening tour will take place in the west wing, which includes the private rooms of the Duchess of Hohenberg, née Chotek. These areas are normally off-limits to the public and were among the places that Countess Sophie cherished the most within the castle. To join this exclusive experience, visitors must make an advance booking, which can be done by calling 317 721 366 or emailing [email protected]. The tour is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the ticket prices are CZK 380 for adults and CZK 300 for seniors and students.
Countess Sophie Marie Josephine Albina Chotek of Chotek and Vojnín is most famous for her marriage to Archduke Franz Ferdinand d’Este, who was the heir to the throne. Sadly, their deaths became infamous due to the Sarajevo assassination.
Countess Chotek died on 28 June 1914 while she and her husband were in the city of Sarajevo. She was shot in the abdomen, which caused her abdominal artery to be severed, leading her to bleed to death immediately. Her husband, Franz Ferdinand, was also a victim of the assassination. The funeral was held in Vienna and was notable for the absence of their children, during which gloves and a fan were placed on Sophie’s coffin as poignant symbols of femininity.
