Wednesday, 26 June 2019

CZECH REPUBLIC - Konopiště Chateau

Konopiste Chateau was founded in the late 13th century as a Gothic fortress. Through many modifications over the centuries, it was gradually rebuilt into a romantic chateau, which in 1887 was bought by the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este. His enthusiasm for technical progress brought the chateau all the modern comforts of the time - running water , electricity, a hydraulic lift and flushing toilets. After his marriage to Countess Sophie Chotek, the couple settled here. Their romantic love story, along with the Belle Epoque , ended in the summer of 1914  in Sarajevo with an assassin's bullet,which triggered the start of the First World War.

Tour circuits will take you into the living areas , guest quarters, dining room and armoury , allowing you for a while to imagine life at the chateau before the First World War.

REASON TO VISIT

Franz Ferdinand d' Este was an avid art collector and with his assembly pf woodcarvings , paintings  and a variety of other artistic artefacts relating to the cult of St George, he wanted to outdo King Edward Vii himself , who had the same collections passion. You can see the surviving items from the collection at the Museum of St George.

Make sure not to miss a tour of the rose garden with green houses, which will inspire you to relax. They grow subtropical and tropical plants here and also variety ' Marshal" which was a great favourite of Countess Sophie.


 

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