Sychrov Castle

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Location of Sychrov Castle in the Czech republic

Sychrov Castle can be found near village Sychrov in the Liberec Region of the Czech Republic. It is unique example of Neo-Gothic castle from second half of 19th century. Large park surrounds the castle.

1 History
2 Architecture
3 Collections
4 The park
5 Miscellaneous
6 External links

[edit] History

Since 15th century a fort existed in this place. During 1690-93 small baroque castle was constructed here. In 1820 the castle was bought by family of Rohan, French aristocrats exiled by French Revolution who decided to stay in Austrian Empire. The 125 year long ownership by Rohans proved to be the most important in castle's history. In 1945 the castle was nationalised because of the Beneš decrees. Since 1950 it was open to public to a small extent. Since the 1970s large parts ot the castle were open to public. Since the beginning of the 1990s, an extensive reconstruction and restoration of castle exteriors, interiors, and the park have been under way, the object of which is to make Sychrov look as close to its original form at the time of its biggest boom- i.e. its condition in the second half of the 19th century- as possible. In 1995 it was became protected by the state as national cultural heritage.

[edit] Architecture

Sychrov Castle seen from the park

Small, dilapidated Baroque castle was rebuilt by Rohans (finished in 1834). Second reconstruction (1847-62) put romantic neo-gothis style to the castle and this style remained until today. The reconstruction was carried according plans of Bernard Grueber and all works done by domestic artists and craftsmen. Owner paid specific attention to the Castle Park, designed in the English style. The park became a model for the establishment of many now important arboreta such as in Průhonice and Konopiště. During this period, a rare harmonising of the castle exterior, interior, and the park was accomplished. During late 1920s/early 1930s castle interior was renovated. Especially valuable are interior carvings by Petr Bušek, who worked in here for 38 years.

[edit] Collections

The castle boasts collection of cca 250 portraits of Rohans, related families and French kings. It is the largest collection of French portrait paintings in Central Europe. Sychrov hosts unique glass paintings by Jan Zachariáš Quast.

[edit] The park

English park has area of 23 hectares. Older, classcist park was remodeled into romantic style. Since botanics was hobby of the castle owner the park received lot of attention: there are rich dendrological and botanical collections. Unique beech (Fagus silvatica Rohani) was cultivated in the park. See detailed description for more information.