KARLSTEJN

Karlstejn Castle is one of the most famous Czech strongholds, often used as a symbol of the Kingdom of Bohemia, and is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful European castles. It was built in the late Middle Ages by the King of Bohemia and the Emperor of the German Reich Charles IV of Luxembourg in the years 1348-1365 in the Gothic style. Almost from the very beginning, it was intended as a place to store the relics of saints close to Charles IV and the crown jewels, as well as the insignia of royal and imperial power. In the time of Charles IV, it was also the ruler's residence, only a day's drive from the capital's Prague. One of the most valuable buildings in the castle complex is the Great Tower, which houses the Chapel of the Holy Cross with a rich interior, reminiscent of Byzantine solutions and rich polychrome. The interior of the chapel also includes around 2,200 polished stones and 129 paintings by master Theodoric - probably the most outstanding Czech painter of the late Middle Ages. It was also where the most valuable relics and insignia of power were deposited.