Originally constructed in 1348 under the direction of Czech king and Roman emperor Charles IV, Karlštejn Castle is unique amongst the country’s many castles and chateaus in that it was founded as a place for safekeeping the king’s royal treasures, including holy relics and coronation jewels from the Roman Empire. Although reconstructed in the late 19th century, the castle – faithfully renovated by Czech architect Josef Mocker in a purist neo-Gothic style – retains its fairy tale-like charm and is today one of the most visited castles in the country. Tours of its grounds – which include the stately, five-floor Imperial Palace and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, home to 129 panel paintings by Gothic artist Theodoric – are available for visitors.
