If you want to see a rich castle interior with many fascinating collections of weapons and hunting trophies, you have to visit the Konopiště chateau nearby Prague. The castle is located on the hill, in the middle of forest and nice gardens, close to the pond. In the end of the 19th century it belonged to Franz Ferdinand d´Este, successor to Habsburg throne. In 1900 he got maried with a Czech princess Sofia Chotek and for her, Franz Ferdinand rebuilt completely the castle and he put all his art collections inside. As a member of the imperial family he could create a large collection of china, glass, weapons, furniture, pictures, statues coming from the whole Europe. He did also a grand tour around the World and everywhere he was he went out hunting, so his collection of hunting trophies belongs among the largest ones in the world.
Unfortunately, in June 1914 he took part in manoeuvres of the Austrian army in Sarajevo, Serbia, during this stay he was assassinated and just after this event the World War I started. Franz Ferdinand´s death influenced the evolution of the whole world and the establishment of new states in Europe.
The castle is about 35 kms outside Prague.
Entrance fees: 9 EUR/pers.
No tours on MON, no tours in winter