Explore Litice Castle as it Opens Doors to Visitors this Maundy Thursday
On Thursday, the date is 2 April 2026, Litice Castle will welcome all enthusiasts of historical sites once again. Visitors can explore the castle from 9:00 to 17:00, and it will be accessible throughout the Easter holiday. Guided tours occur every hour, starting on the hour. The final guided tour of the day starts one hour before the end of visiting hours. After this last tour, visitors are free to wander around the castle unaccompanied until closing time. At the ticket desk, visitors can also borrow a booklet that details the castle’s fascinating history for self-guided exploration. Currently, visitors can partake in a guided tour titled King George’s Castle, which includes a journey through the South Palace and the nearby tower. Tickets for entry are priced at 180 CZK for adults, 50 CZK for children and students, while senior citizens and holders of ZTP and ZTP/P cards pay a reduced fee of 140 CZK.
Another tour titled ‘In the Footsteps of Castle Architecture’ examines the architectural and defensive elements still visible at the castle, highlighting their historical significance as they were renovated. Attendees will learn about the sources of drinking water on the castle grounds and engage with a riddle concerning the purpose of the gate that leads up the slope. However, this tour is currently not being conducted.
Aside from the regular tours, the management of Litice Castle also provides an opportunity to rent the Great Hall located on the second floor for weddings and other celebrations. The tour path, which can be followed independently or with a guide, includes a film that showcases the history of this place. Educational tours tailored for families with children or school groups can be arranged here.
Litice boasts a rich history spanning seven centuries, making it no surprise that it often remains mysterious. Alongside various legends, the local castle and the nearby village of the same name also share many true stories that are certainly worth exploring. Visitors will find plenty of attractions that are must-sees on their journey.
The legend of the Hussite king and the chest with four locks
Jiří of Poděbrady is widely regarded as the most important person in the history of the castle. He transformed Litice into a grand residence, encircled by large, protective walls. During his time, he accumulated remarkable wealth, built the second-largest estate in the country, captured Prague, and eventually became King of Bohemia. Jiřík is also noteworthy as the first person in history to propose the idea of forming a union among states in Europe—similar to what we might think of as a medieval version of the European Union.
Historical evidence points to the fact that the ‘Hussite King’—this nickname for Jiří of Poděbrady—was born in April 1420. While Poděbrady is usually acknowledged as his birthplace, some historical sources cast doubt on this tradition. It is possible that Jiří’s mother gave birth to him right at Litice. Jiří of Poděbrady had a deep affection for the castle. He was so committed to its renovation that later historians speculated about his motives. They theorized that he intended to make Litice the Czech treasury, much like Charles IV did with Karlštejn, where he kept the Holy Roman Empire’s coronation jewels. However, after his death, neither the royal jewels nor important land registries were ever stored in the castle. Following Jiří’s passing, Litice was inherited by his four sons. Just like their father, they cherished the castle, which is evident from their decision to conceal a chest containing all vital documents. The chest had four locks, and each son held one key. This way, they had to collaborate to access the treasured contents inside.
