Zvíkov Castle is located on the peninsula in South Bohemian Region of Czech Republic. Zvikov Castle was constructed in 1234 by King Wenceslas I on the strategic hill at the junctions of Otava and Vltava rivers.
Location: South Bohemian Region Map
Constructed: 1234 by King Wenceslas I
Website: here
Tel. 382 285 676
Entrance Fee:
Adult: 70 Kč
Students, children: 40 Kč
Senior: 50 Kč
Family: 180 Kč
Open:
Apr, Oct 9:30am- 12pm, 1pm- 4pm Sat, Sun, publ. hol.
May- Sep 9:30am- 12pm, 1pm- 4:30pm Tue- Sun
Jun- Aug 9:30am- 12pm, 1pm- 5:30pm Tue- Sun
In 1306 Zvikov Castle was transferred to the Henry Rožmberk after Přemyslid dynasty have died out upon assassination of Wenceslas III in Olomouc. New owners greatly expanded medieval structure and made into impregnable fortress. During reign of Charles IV Zvikov reached its highest fame. In fact until construction of the Karlstejn Castle Crown Jewels were kept here for safe keeping. During Hussite Wars Hussites besieged Zvikov Castle in 1429 for more than four months and yet failed to take it. In 1618 Zvikov Castle was besieged again by the 4000 Imperial Hapsburg troops during Thirty Years' War. Protestants inside agreed to capitulate only four years later. After looting and extensive damage Švanberk family restored the castle in Renaissance style.
Zvikov Castle was badly damaged in a fire of 1751. It was abandoned and lay in ruins until 1840's. Some of the remaining structures were used as a granary by the local farmers. Schwarzenberg family spent massive amount of money restoring Zvikov Castle to its former glory inspired by the romantic notions of medieval period.