Velhartice Castle, Velhartice, Czech Republic

The first written mention of Velhartice settlement is from 1318. However, the Gothic Velhartice Castle was built already in 1290-1310 by a nobleman who later became courtier and close friend of the Emperor Charles IV.

During the Thirty Years' War, Emperor Ferdinand II gave the castle to one of his generals, Don Balthazar de Marradas who, in 1628, sold it to Don Martin de Hoeff Huerta who bought it for his beautiful adopted daughter Anne-Marie of Moldavia.

In 1790s, the Desfours family, who at the time also owned the castle, built a paper-making factory in Velhartice which, during the World War II, made sleeping bags for the German Army. A leather-tanning factory opened in 1882 and during the World War II provided leather for military boots made in the neighbouring town. In 1945, several armoured units of George S. Patton's Third Army were stationed in Velhartice. The last owner of the Velhartice Castle, Prince Windisch-Graetz, was expelled to Austria in 1946. Presently the castle is claimed by the Czech Republic.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

jeremy kalous (2 years ago)
It’s an okay castle. But if I had to choose one I would prefer Klenova Castle nearby. This castle is not set up for foreign tourists as well. The 3 Year War exhibition is only in a czech. And sadly the staff woman was neither polite nor helpful. Advice, spend more time in Klatovy

David Gabriel (2 years ago)
Nice castle, decent entry and you can come with dogs :)

Michal Duchek (4 years ago)
Small picturesque castle and chateau. 80 CZK per adult are paid for admission. Parking is free. There is a restaurant inside, but didn't visit it.

Tereza Bednářová (4 years ago)
Lovely place. Attended as a part of historical group during a weekend event. Beautiful exteriors and interiors. Worth the visit.

Зоряна Стецько (4 years ago)
Beautiful ?❤

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