Dobříš Château

Dobříš Château, a Baroque gem with rich history and stunning gardens, is a must-visit destination. Discover its charming interiors, lovely parks, and enjoy seasonal events that promise an unforgettable experience.

The Château is a prime example of Rococo style in the Czech Republic. The current building, dating from the mid-18th century, was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original Baroque structure. The château was once owned by the noble Colloredo-Mannsfeld family until it was expropriated in 1942 for the German Reich.

After World War II, it was nationalized and later given to the Czechoslovak Writers’ Union. During this period, the château served as a temporary home for many renowned artists, including Pablo Neruda, who found inspiration in its rooms and surrounding parks.

• Interesting fact: The elegant château setting may seem familiar to you, and for good reason – it has featured in several Czech fairy tales and silver screen productions. You may even recognize scenes from international blockbusters! The grand historical series The Three Musketeers and the acclaimed film The Illusionist were both shot here.

The château continues to be a lively cultural center, offering tours of its historic interiors with period furnishings and interactive features like touchscreens and large projections. It’s a popular venue for weddings, social events, and cultural activities. In 2006, a luxurious hotel was created in the former stables of the northern wing, offering elegant rooms and suites. The château also houses a fine restaurant, serving both Czech and international dishes to satisfy even the most discerning gourmets.

• Tip for you: Visitors of all ages will enjoy the Toy Museum and the interactive Water exhibition, which illustrates the water cycle in nature with engaging displays. Children will delight in the Emilie and Zdeněk Miler Gallery, dedicated to the famous Mole character. The Mystical Forest exhibition offers a magical journey through woodland, introducing forest creatures and providing fun experiences like crawling through a badger’s den or a tree hollow. For plant lovers, the château’s garden center showcases exotic plants, with tropical birds serenading you from the palm trees above.

The château is surrounded by two beautiful parks. The French garden, a stunning example of Rococo design, was recently revitalized, along with the château’s orangery, open in summer. The English park, spanning 30 hectares, enchants with its romantic landscapes, featuring a stream, the Devil’s Bridge, and an artificial cave, all set among diverse ecosystems.

What’s next?

Take a pleasant hike to Stará Huť, where you’ll find the Karel Čapek Memorial. The exhibition at Strž showcases the writer’s life and works, as well as Olga Scheinpflugová, Ferdinand Peroutka, and local metallurgy. The educational trail leads you through places cherished by Čapek. Stop for lunch at Kytín Brewery, and if you’re continuing, visit the château in Mníšek pod Brdy or the pilgrimage site Skalka, offering beautiful views of the Brdy Ridge.