Location: Hrady Točník a Žebrák, 267 51 Zdice, 15 km (9 mi) Southwest
of Beroun
Tel. 311 533 202
Open:
Mar, Apr, Oct: 10am- 12pm,
1pm- 4pm Sat, Sun
May, Jun, Sept: 10am- 12pm, 1pm- 5pm Tue- Sat
Jul, Aug: 9am- 12pm, 1pm- 6pm Tue- Sun
www.tocnik.com
Točník
Castle, a striking example of late Gothic architecture, stands as a
testament to medieval royal luxury in the Czech Republic. Situated in
the municipality of Točník within the Beroun District of the Central
Bohemian Region, the castle perches on a rocky ridge known as Zámecká
hora (Castle Mountain) at coordinates approximately 49°53′13″N
13°53′00″E. It forms a unique pair with the nearby Žebrák Castle,
located just 500 meters away on the same hill, creating one of the
best-preserved castle complexes in the country. Built at the end of the
14th century, Točník was designed more as a comfortable royal residence
than a purely defensive fortress, reflecting the transitional period
between medieval defense systems and Renaissance influences.
The
castle's strategic yet scenic position overlooks the surrounding
landscape, including forested hills and nearby towns like Hořovice. Its
proximity to Prague (about 50 km west) and Pilsen makes it accessible
via the Prague-Pilsen highway, positioning it as an ideal site for
historical tourism and events.
The history of Točník Castle is intricately tied to the Bohemian
monarchy and the turbulent events of medieval and early modern
Europe.
Construction and Early Years (1395–1415)
The
impetus for building Točník came after a devastating fire in 1395
that damaged the older Žebrák Castle, exposing its vulnerabilities.
King Wenceslas IV (Václav IV), seeking a more secure and luxurious
retreat, initiated construction between 1398 and 1401. By 1400,
parts of the royal treasury were relocated here, underscoring its
importance as a royal stronghold. The castle was completed around
1398–1401, though some sources extend this to 1415. It served as
Wenceslas IV's private residence, featuring innovative designs that
blended austerity with creative interior elements, such as intricate
vaulting.
Hussite Wars and Ownership Changes (1415–1517)
After the execution of Jan Hus in 1415, Wenceslas IV's visits to
Točník dwindled, with his last recorded stay in September of that
year. Upon his death in 1419, the castle passed to his brother
Sigismund, who quickly stripped it of valuables. In 1421, it was
pledged to Erkinger of Seinsheim, but soon came under the Kolowrat
family's control through a dowry. The castle withstood a three-day
siege by Hussite forces in 1425, after which the attackers burned
the surrounding towns of Točník and Hořovice. In 1461, King George
of Poděbrady acquired it to prevent Catholic dominance, later
gifting it to Frederick of Schumburg.
Renaissance Period and
Decline (1509–1620)
From 1509, under Ladislaus Jagiello, the
castle saw various owners, including John of Wartenberg (1522), who
made structural adjustments, and Volf Krajíř of Kreig (1534), who
hunted for rumored treasures. In 1552, Maximilian II purchased it
and granted it to John the Elder of Lobkowicz, who introduced
Renaissance modifications. After a mutiny in 1590 involving
Ladislaus Lobkowicz, the castle was confiscated and became royal
property under Rudolph II in 1595, marking the last royal visit. It
then served as a state prison before gradual decay set in.
Thirty Years' War and Later Years (1620–1834)
The Thirty Years'
War accelerated Točník's decline. Imperial troops damaged it in
1620, and by 1640, defensive plans against Swedish forces were
abandoned. A 1681 report noted it was still habitable, but by 1722,
it was largely uninhabited though roofed. Management shifted to
various authorities, including the Mining Authority in Příbram from
1834.
Modern Era (1858–Present)
In 1858, attempts to sell
the domain failed initially, but by 1864/1865, it was acquired by
industrialist H. B. Strossberg, who sold it to the
Colloredo-Mansfeld family in 1875. In 1923, Josef Colloredo-Mansfeld
sold Točník to the Czechoslovak Tourist Club for 2,000 CZK,
initiating reconstruction. Post-1945, it became property of the
Czechoslovak Sokol Community, and since 1953, it has been
state-owned. Today, it is managed by the National Heritage Institute
(since 2001), with ongoing restoration efforts dating back to the
1930s.
Točník Castle exemplifies a transitional design, prioritizing
residential comfort over pure fortification. Its layout features a
three-part ground plan: an outer bailey, a defensive wall with a massive
moat, and a bridge once guarded by a gate tower. The core includes two
palaces separated by a fosse for enhanced security.
The Royal Palace,
on an L-shaped plan, is the centerpiece. Its second floor houses a grand
ceremonial hall (34 x 15 meters), ideal for official gatherings, while
other floors contain residential quarters. The inner palace was more
fortified, serving as the king's private domain, accessible via multiple
gates. Renaissance alterations by the Lobkowicz family added stylistic
elements, blending Gothic austerity with emerging decorative trends.
Notable architectural features include intricate vaulting in interiors,
stone ridges for defense, and a layout that allowed for both
representation and privacy. As a fortress, it incorporated military
elements like high walls and moats, though its primary role was
residential.
Točník's massive ceremonial hall and dual-palace system highlight its royal prestige. Its pairing with Žebrák creates a unique historical site, often called the "castle of King Wenceslas IV." The castle has no prominent legends but holds cultural importance as a filming location for movies like Bathory (2008), Faust (2011), Hard to Be a God (2013), and the series Charles II: The Power and the Passion. Protected as a national cultural monument alongside Žebrák, it attracts visitors for its historical authenticity and scenic views.
Today, Točník exists as well-preserved ruins, open to the public for tours and events. Restoration continues, focusing on safety and preservation. Visitors can explore the palaces, halls, and grounds, often combining visits with Žebrák for a comprehensive experience. Its size and layout make it suitable for corporate events, weddings, and cultural programs. As part of the state-managed heritage sites, it offers insights into medieval life through exhibits and guided tours.