Zvíkov Castle

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Location of Zvíkov Castle in the Czech Republic

Courtyard of Zvíkov Castle

Zvíkov Castle (Czech: Hrad Zvíkov, German: Klingenberg) is a castle located some 15 km north of Písek, in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, next to the village Zvíkovské Podhradí. It is one of the most important early-Gothic castles in Czech lands.

Zvíkov is placed on a hard to access and steep promontory above the confluence of rivers Vltava and Otava. The area was inhabited during prehistoric times. Celts built a fort here around the time of Jesus' life. The current castle was founded during the reign of Ottokar I of Bohemia (d. 1230) but the exact date is not known. The first written mention of the castle comes from year 1234. The castle was owned by the Kings of Bohemia.

The oldest part of Zvíkov is a massive rectangular tower named Hlízová. Palace buildings have been built on its sides. During the reign of Ottokar II of Bohemia (1253– d. 1278), a palace named Královský (King's Own) was built and this ground plan has been preserved until today. The new palace was built in lavish style and its parts were connected by monumental arcade. Chapel of St. Wenceslaus belongs to masterpieces of early-gothic Czech architecture. The fortification was extended with Hláska, large 32 meters high tower (bergfrit) on the south side. The castle has two gates (majority of contemporary castles used only one).

Zvíkov gatehouse and tower

After the Přemyslid dynasty died out in 1306 Zvíkov became property of House of Rosenberg (Rožmberkové). After 1337 the settlement under the castle has been fortified, as a part of thorough repairs.

During Hussite Wars, in 1429, the castle was besieged by Hussites for four months; it was heavily damaged but not taken. To protect against heavy artillery the walls had been further strengthened.

During 1640s the palace was modified in Renaissance style. At the start of Thirty Years' War Zvíkov was owned by a rebellious Protestant nobleman and the defendants agreed to capitulate to Emperor's forces only in October 1622. Subsequently it was looted and devastated.

During Thirty Years' War Zvíkov served as a fortress. At the end of 17th century it ceased to have military value and was used as grannary. The decline continued; in 1751 fire damaged large part of the palace; in 1780 the chapel was unblessed; in 1829 facade of the palace tumbled down.

In 1840 Schwarzenbergs, owners of the ruin, started with repairs. Between 1880 - 1902 the castle has been reconstructed. Since 1950 Zvíkov is state owned. Orlík Dam (named after Orlík Castle), built during 1954 - 1962, deluged the castle downtown and made Zvíkov easily accessible. Major restoration during 1970 - 1980 concentrated on the palace.

The castle had inspired several painters and writers (theatrical comedy Zvíkovský rarášek by Ladislav Stroupežnický being one example).

Today, Zvíkov (opened from Spring to Autumn) is hiking attraction and serves as a place of art exhibitions and stage plays.