Location: Bartonova 2, Zbraslav
Tel. 257 921 638
Subway: Smichovshe nadrazi then take bus: 129 241, 243, 255, 318, 360
Open: Tue- Sun 10am- 6pm
Zbraslav Château, also known as Zámek Zbraslav, is a historic site in the Czech Republic that originated as a Cistercian monastery and evolved into a Baroque château. Situated in the Zbraslav district of Prague 5, at Bartoňova 2, it lies at the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka rivers, approximately 12 km south of Prague's city center. The château's coordinates are around 50°00′N 14°23′E, nestled in a scenic area with English-style parks, gardens, and proximity to the river, making it an attractive venue for cultural and social events. Originally founded as a royal monastery, it now serves primarily as a museum housing Asian art collections and as a space for private events, blending historical significance with modern utility.
Zbraslav Château's history reflects the turbulent evolution of
Bohemian religious and noble institutions, from a medieval monastery to
an industrial site and modern cultural hub.
Founding and Medieval
Period (1292–1420)
The site began as an unfinished royal hunting
lodge with the Chapel of St. James, established by King Přemysl Otakar
II. In 1292, King Wenceslas II founded the Cistercian monastery,
provisionally operational that year, with a formal founding document
from 1304. Named "Aula Regia" (Royal Hall), it was intended as a royal
burial place for the Přemyslid dynasty, housing tombs of kings like
Wenceslas II and Wenceslas IV (last buried in 1419). The first abbot,
Konrád, oversaw the introduction of monks on April 20, 1292, and the
monastery was completed by 1333, including a hospital and chapel by the
early 15th century. A village and town developed around it, but in 1420,
Hussite forces burned it down, looting and desecrating the royal tombs.
Reconstruction and Early Modern Era (1420–1785)
Repairs began
gradually in the 15th century, with significant Renaissance enhancements
under Abbot Antoin II. Plamming (1586–1609), who added to the abbey and
St. Jakob Church. Further damage occurred from Passau troops in
1611–1612 and Emperor Matthias's mercenaries. Restoration continued
under Abbot George I of Vrat, and in 1622, the monastery received
confiscated estates. In the early 18th century, Abbot Wolfgang Lochner
commissioned Baroque reconstructions by architect Jan Blažej
Santini-Aichel in 1705, completed by František Maxmilián Kaňka in 1732.
Financial strains from loans during Empress Maria Theresa's wars led to
ongoing challenges, though the Gothic church received Baroque
decorations. The monastery was abolished in 1785 under Josephine
reforms.
Industrial and Noble Ownership (1785–1910)
Sold to
Belgian businessman Joseph de Souvaigne, who established a sugar
factory, the prelature was transformed into a château in 1825 by chamber
builders A. Hummel and Ign. Palliardi. In the 19th century, it became
the property of the Oettingen-Wallerstein princely family, who acquired
the convent in 1875 while maintaining industrial operations.
Modern Era (1910–Present)
In 1910, industrialist Cyrill Bartoň of
Dobenín purchased the estate and initiated major reconstructions from
1912 to 1925, designed by architects A. Čenský and O. Nyppl. Since 1939,
part of the château has housed the National Gallery's Asian art
collection under a lease agreement. Confiscated by the state in 1948, it
served representational purposes for ministries until restitution to the
Bartoň family. Today, it functions as a museum depository and event
venue.
Zbraslav Château showcases a fusion of architectural styles reflecting its layered history. The original Gothic elements from the 13th-century monastery, including the Church of Our Lady, were largely destroyed but influenced later rebuilds. Renaissance additions in the late 16th century under Abbot Plamming included enhancements to the abbey and church. The 18th-century Baroque transformations by Santini-Aichel and Kaňka introduced ornate decorations, grand halls, and structural modifications, creating a U-shaped layout with courtyards and arcades. 19th- and early 20th-century changes added neoclassical and modern elements, with the château featuring colorful facades in pink, yellow, and white, red-tiled roofs, and integrated gardens. Key interior spaces include the King's Hall and Knight's Hall with excellent acoustics, and outdoor areas like Sala Terrena with arched structures.
The château's royal burial history ties it to Bohemian monarchy, with legends of desecrated tombs adding intrigue. It houses the National Gallery's Oriental Collection, featuring Japanese ceramics, lacquerware, weaponry (ground floor); Chinese Buddhist art, tomb sculptures (first floor); and Indian, Southeast Asian, Tibetan, Islamic art (second floor), including the grand Royal Hall. Culturally, it represents Czech heritage evolution from religious to secular, serving as a filming location with classic and modern interiors, English parks, and abandoned spaces. Protected as part of the Městská památková zóna Zbraslav, it symbolizes resilience through wars and reforms.
Zbraslav Château is well-preserved and multifunctional, managed partly by the Bartoň family and the National Gallery. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with admission at 80 CZK (full), 40 CZK (reduced), and 120 CZK (family). Visitors can explore permanent Asian art exhibitions and temporary shows, like 19th-century Japanese landscapes. Event spaces include the King's Hall (capacity 250), Knight's Hall (150), Sala Terrena (outdoor, 1300 m²), and gardens for weddings, concerts, and conferences, with amenities like pianos and electricity. Additional attractions: a Japanese tearoom, store, and virtual tours. Accessible by public transport from Prague.