Rozmberk Castle, Czech Republic. Rozmberk nad Vltavou town and castle. The price of love and life is dowry

Rozmberk Castle, Czech Republic March 28th, 2014

Rožmberk Castle is located in Southern Bohemia a few kilometers from Austria in the town of Rožmberk nad Vltavou, where 369 people live.
Perhaps I liked this castle the most, although it is not striking in its appearance and does not have such a mysterious park as.
What's so special about it? Let's watch.

The first mention of this Czech castle, which at that time bore the German name Rosenberg ("rose mountain"), dates back to 1250, during the reign of the Czech king Wenceslas I. Apparently, the fortress served to control the important trade route from the Czech Republic to Austria, since is on the way from Cesky Krumlov to Linz.

The castle complex consisted of two structures: the lower and upper fortresses. However, after the fire of 1522, all that remained of the buildings of the upper fortress was the Jacobinka Tower - a separate watchtower. And in the photo you can see both the tower and the fact that the two parts of the castle differ from each other.
The decoration of the Lower Fortress during the reconstruction of 1556 was made in the Renaissance style in the spirit of Italy. However, already in the 17th century, the Rožmberk dynasty again modernized the castle, giving it a romantic Gothic appearance. In its image, Rožmberk Castle is a small copy of Krumlov Castle, which was also at one time the property of this rich family.

The Vltava is a river that originates in the south of the Czech Republic and which we see in Prague

While we were walking up to the castle, it started to snow. These places are located in the Sumava Mountains, so it snowed a lot there. During one of the nights that we were in South Bohemia, there was probably a meter of snow!

Here is the castle itself. It is here that the most famous Czech ghost lives - the White Lady (White Lady).
In 1429, Ulrich Rozmberk, the then owner of the castle, gave birth to a daughter, who was named Perchta. The girl's father gave her away when she was 20 years old and forced her into marriage. Her husband was the nobleman Jan Lichtenstein, who was counting on the Rozmberks' fortune. And the bride’s father hoped for Ian’s political connections. But their plans were not destined to come true. The husband did not love the unfortunate Perkhta and treated her extremely poorly. And his mother and sisters loved to make fun of the girl. When Jan Liechtenstein died in 1476, he asked Perchta for forgiveness. But she refused him. And then he exclaimed: “So be damned!” When 3 years had passed, Perkhta died, but could not leave the earth. Apparently, the words of the curse worked. She wanders around the ancestral castle of Rožmberk in a white robe with a rattling bunch of keys. That is why she was called the “White Lady”.
The white lady does not harm anyone, she is a good ghost. According to legends, if she changes her clothes, something will happen soon. One day she appeared in a red robe, and after some time there was a major fire in the castle.

They say that night excursions are also organized here - this is a whole show, the main participants of which are the guides themselves, dressed in costumes of heroes of popular Czech legends. During a fascinating journey into the past, you can visit Perkhta’s bedroom, explore the castle’s state rooms, basements, torture room and witness heartbreaking family dramas played out by actors. The excursion is available only in summer on Saturdays and Sundays and three times per evening (excursions start at 21.00, 22.00, 23.00).

There is also a portrait of the White Lady somewhere in the castle. And on the portrait there is an inscription made using a mysterious font with the comment: “Read what is written here and you will become the owner of fabulous wealth.” Many cryptographers have tried to unravel the mystery of the inscription, but so far to no avail.

I found the following information about this elephant:
“They say that if you stroke his trunk, then peace, love and tranquility will come to the family. Well, if you climb on his back...” Then fantasize yourself =)
31

In the castle you can climb the tower and explore the surrounding area. In general, I think that if there is an opportunity to climb somewhere, then you should always do it. And if there is no opportunity, you need to look for it =)
32

The castle courtyard is visible (where the elephant stands):
35

The white stone fortress still stands majestically among the dense forests on the Sumava Mountains. This is one of the oldest, most beautiful castles in South Bohemia. Its complex includes the Upper and Lower castles.

Rosenberg Castle (German: Rosenberg, Czech: Rožmberk) (in Czech it sounds like the city of Rožmberk) is located near the town of Rožmberk nad Vltavou. It was built in the 13th century by Vitek of Prcice. Rosenberg – “Pink Mountain” (Rosenberg an der Moldau). Its owners were representatives of the Rosenberg family (in Czech - Rozmberkov).

The white stone fortress still stands majestically among the dense forests on the Sumava Mountains. This is one of the oldest, most beautiful castles in South Bohemia. Its complex includes the Upper and Lower castles. (The Lower Castle was built in the 30s of the 14th century).

The upper castle was destroyed by fire in 1522, all that remained was the Jacobinka defensive tower. In 1556, reconstruction of both buildings was carried out. The facades of the Lower Castle were decorated in the Renaissance style.

Rosenberg is a castle where the mysterious White Lady lives.

Rožmberk was rebuilt and restored several more times. During the period 1840-1857. The fortress was rebuilt again in the neo-Gothic style. The last owner of the castle was Count Buqua. But in 1945 Rožmberk was nationalized. Now there is a museum of Bohemian history.

From the original appearance of the castle, only the round tower, built in the 13th-16th centuries, has been preserved. and a banquet hall decorated with 16th-century Italian frescoes. Today, in Rožmberk Castle, tourists can see exhibitions of furniture and porcelain, weapons and Czech glass. This collection was assembled by a nobleman Georg Jan Heinrich Buqua. He also contributed to another famous exhibition of the castle - the torture museum. This museum is of constant interest to the public. Tourists here are told about the ghost of the White Lady - Perchta Rozmberkska, who appears in the castle at night.

The bronze elephant became a real cult object of Rožmberk Castle. It is believed that peace and harmony will come to the family of everyone who strokes his bronze trunk.

How can I save up to 20% on hotels?

It’s very simple - look not only on booking. I prefer the search engine RoomGuru. He searches for discounts simultaneously on Booking and on 70 other booking sites.

Castles and fortresses of the Czech Republic

Castles of South Bohemia

Gothic medieval castle Rožmberk nad Vltavou

In the very south of the Czech Republic, near the Austrian border, there is one of the most mysterious Czech castles - Rožmberk nad Vltavou. Surrounded by dense forests, this Gothic castle blends so organically into the surrounding landscape that it seems to be a natural continuation of the spurs of the Šumava Mountains that dominate it. There are many legends associated with this Gothic Czech castle, the most famous of which I present here. Well, if you want to know the rest and admire the perfect Gothic appearance of Rožmberk Castle - come yourself, you definitely won’t be disappointed!

STORY

The first mention of this Czech castle, which at that time bore the German name Rosenberg ("rose mountain"), dates back to 1250, during the reign of the Czech king Wenceslas I. Apparently, this fortress served to control an important trade route from the Czech Republic to the rich Upper Danube lands Austria. Subsequently, this Czech castle changed its owners several times; in the 16th century, the Gothic style of the castle was partially replaced by the Renaissance style, until in 1619, during the Thirty Years' War, it was captured by the troops of the Austrian emperor under the command of General Karl Bunaventure Buka. The general liked Rozmberk Castle so much that he begged it from the emperor as a reward for the successful conduct of hostilities.

This Czech castle remained in the ownership of the Bukoys until nationalization in 1945. The most noticeable mark on the history of the castle was left by Jiri Jan Jindřich Bukoy (1814-1883), a famous collector. Under him, the castle was reconstructed in the neo-Gothic style that we see today. He also collected impressive collections of works of art and turned the Czech castle of Rožmberk into a museum.

LEGENDS AND TRADES

White lady

Perhaps the most famous ghost of Czech castles is the White Lady (or the Lady in White, as she is also called). This ghost lives in the Czech castle of Rožmberk nad Vltavou. Once upon a time, in time immemorial, Baron Rožmberk lived in this Czech castle. He was a cunning and greedy man, who did not shy away from any means in order to replenish his already considerable fortune.

Baron Rozmberk's main assistant was a monk who compiled all the documents for his master and thereby helped him seize more and more lands and valuables. But one day the baron decided to seize another tasty morsel by unjust means - a plot of land. But the monk’s relatives lived on this land, and he refused to draw up documents. For this, Baron Rozmberk executed the monk. Dying, he cursed the baron himself and all his descendants.

And the baron had his only daughter, Perkhta, completely obedient to his will, whom he tried to marry off as profitably as possible. Finally, a suitable party was found in the person of Count Liechtenstein. They played a wedding, the newlyweds went to the groom's palace. But the greedy baron refused to give the promised dowry. Without hesitation, the young husband sent his wife back to her father. And so the unfortunate Perkhta lived her whole life in her father’s castle Rožmberk, cursing her ill-fated fate. And already in old age, many years later, the husband who had rejected her came to her to ask for forgiveness, but Perkhta refused him. And then Count Liechtenstein once again cursed the Rožmberk family.

Apparently, these curses had some power, because Perchta remained to live in this Czech castle, now in the form of the ghost of the White Lady, named after the color of her dress. You can see her quite often. They say that the sleeves of the White Lady's dress have the ability to change color - if the sleeves are white, then the one who saw the ghost will have a wedding. Red sleeves mean there will be a fire, but if they are black, big trouble awaits. There is also a portrait of the White Lady in the Czech castle of Rožmberk nad Vltavou. And on the portrait there is an inscription made using a mysterious font with the comment: “Read what is written here and you will become the owner of fabulous wealth.” Many cryptographers have tried to unravel the mystery of the inscription, but so far to no avail.

Bronze elephant

WHAT TO SEE

After admiring the unforgettable grandeur of the white stone walls of this Czech castle, having a good walk around, don’t forget about the interesting things that are inside. In addition to the White Lady and the bronze elephant, within the walls of the Czech castle of Rozmberk nad Vltavou there are wonderful collections of porcelain, weapons, paintings and other art objects, collected by one of the last owners of the castle, Jiri Jan Jindřich Bukoy, in the 19th century. In the courtyard of the Rožmberk nad Vltavou castle there is a Museum of Torture, one of the most original in the Czech Republic - anyone can try themselves both as an executioner and as a victim.

For ghost hunters and simply lovers of the exotic, there is a very interesting excursion conducted by the Ghost Hunters Club in the Czech Rožmberk Castle. For a symbolic 120 CZK you will be given a real night excursion to the ancestral castle of Perchty. Even if the ghost does not make itself felt, the excursion will not leave you indifferent - it is a whole show, the main participants of which are the guides themselves, dressed in costumes of heroes of popular Czech legends. During a fascinating journey into the past, you can visit Perkhta’s bedroom, explore the castle’s state rooms, basements, torture room and witness heartbreaking family dramas played out by actors. Unfortunately, this excursion is only available in the summer on Saturdays and Sundays and three times a night (excursions start at 21.00, 22.00, 23.00). By the way, in addition to Rozmberk nad Vltavou, the White Lady also appears in Cesky Krumlov, Jindrichov Hradec, Telče and Trebon.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Getting there by car from České Budejovice is easy - just go onto the highway E55(3) in the direction of Plana, Veleshin ( Plana, Velesin), after 37 kilometers turn right onto the road 163 in the direction of Vyssi Brod, after 7 kilometers another right turn is now onto the road 160 . Another 4 kilometers and you are in Rožmberk nad Vltavou. You park in one of the many parking lots and walk 500 meters following the signs to Rožmberk nad Vltavou Castle.

A bus service between České Budejovice and Rožmberk nad Vltavou is organized with a transfer in the city where another famous Czech castle is located - České Krumlov. If you choose this method of transportation, I recommend seeing this Czech castle. Here is the bus schedule, you need to get off at the stop" Rožmberk nad Vltavou, name"("square") and then follow the signs to the Rožmberk nad Vltavou castle:

The ticket price is 64 CZK, just in case here is the schedule in the opposite direction:

The southern part of the Czech Republic is far ahead of the rest of the country in terms of the number of medieval castles and fortresses. Many beautiful legends of varying degrees of authenticity are associated with these buildings, and one of the most famous legends of this kind is the story of the White Lady and Rožmberk Castle.

The Legend of Rožmberk Castle

When the Rozhmberg family became poor, the head of the family decided to marry off his daughter Perkhta, a beauty and smart woman who received a good education and upbringing. However, the marriage turned out to be unhappy, and the husband was also poor, so the girl could not escape the difficulties of a poor life. She steadfastly endured adversity and even became a favorite of the townspeople, because she tried as much as possible to help everyone who needed help. While on his deathbed, the husband cursed his kind-hearted wife. When she died, a ghostly and silent figure in white robes began to visit the castle.
Various stories are told about this ghost. They say, for example, that during the Nazi occupation, German girls wanted to raise a banner with a swastika over the fortress, but the ghost of Perkhta scared them away. And recently there was supposedly a case when a worker renovating the White Lady’s bedroom saw her ghost in the window. In addition, it is believed that a code is encrypted in her portrait, and whoever manages to unravel it will receive a huge treasure.

Opening hours and tickets

Rožmberk Castle welcomes visitors every day from April to October. During these two months, on weekdays it is open from 11:00 to 13:00; on weekends and holidays, opening hours are extended to 15:00. In May and September, the fortress is available for visits from 09:00 to 15:30, opening hours in June are 09:00–16:30, in other summer months – 09:00–17:00.

The castle has several excursion routes, and depending on the chosen program, the ticket price for an adult will be up to a hundred crowns. Children's and student tickets cost from 60 CZK, pensioners pay 70 CZK. You can buy tickets to the tower separately, which cost 40 CZK for all categories of guests.
A ticket for both excursions at once will cost less than if you buy them separately. An ordinary adult will pay 170 CZK for the full program, a pensioner – 130 CZK, and 110 CZK for a child.

How to get there

If you are traveling from Prague to Rožmberk by car, then the journey starts from the E49 highway, along which you need to leave the capital in a direction to the southeast. When you pass the town of Protivin, first take road no. 122, then take road no. 160. After passing the town of Cesky Krumlov, continue along road no. 160, and after 25 kilometers you will find yourself in Rožmberk.
The most convenient public transport option is the bus. From the capital's bus station “Na Knizecy” there are flights to Cesky Krumlov several times a day. This part of the journey will take about three hours. You won't have to wait long in Krumlov: the schedule is designed so that buses to Rožmberk depart shortly after the arrival of flights from Prague. This part of the road will take about 40 minutes. Tickets cost eight euros.
The railway connection between Prague and Rožmberk is not very convenient, because from the station to the attraction it is about four kilometers. If this doesn’t bother you, you can take a suitable train several times a day at the main metropolitan station.

• Address: 382 72 Dolni Dvořiště, Czech Republic
• Telephone: +420 380 749 838
• Website: hrad-rozmberk.cz
• Working hours: Tue-Sat from 9:00 to 16:30, Sun-Mon from 9:00 to 15:30

Rosenberg Castle (or Rozmberk) is located in the Southern Region, which is home to a huge variety of fortresses. This region is full of mysterious legends, but the most interesting and popular among them relates specifically to this castle, which thanks to it has acquired mystical fame.

A little history

Rozmberk Castle, as the Czechs themselves call it, was built at the beginning of the 13th century by a representative of the famous Vitkovic family.

The owners of the castle did not change very often, but it was mortgaged twice, since the owner (at that time he was Aldrich II) needed money to provide for his army.

In the 17th century, Castle Rosenberg was confiscated by Count Buquoy, commander of the imperial army. His family owned it until 1945, when the fortress was nationalized.

Castle legends

The most famous legend about the castle is connected precisely with the name of the above-mentioned Aldrich II. According to legend, the baron's family was cursed by a monk who once served him: Rosenberg conquered the land on which his family lived. Baron Brecht's beautiful daughter was given in marriage, but the marriage did not work out, and as a result the girl began to live in the castle with her father. Dying, the baron asked his daughter for forgiveness, but she did not want to show mercy, and her own father cursed her on his deathbed. After her own death, Brecht began to walk around the castle as a ghost. People still talk about her appearing in the corridors from time to time. Because of the white gloves on her hands, she was nicknamed the White Lady.

What is interesting about the castle now?

This beautiful Renaissance-style building is attractive to tourists not only because of its mystical secret, although it also plays a role.

It is worth noting that the castle is interesting as an architectural structure. It is very beautiful and beautifully furnished and decorated inside. You can walk through all the halls of the castle within the framework.

In the courtyard of Castle Rosenberg there is a small torture chamber. It looks like a set from a horror movie. What is noteworthy is that tourists are allowed not only to look, but also to touch, “try on” some of the torture instruments. Undoubtedly, it will be a vivid impression.

In one of the halls of the Rosenberg Castle in the Czech Republic hangs a portrait of the White Lady. The signature on the painting consists of mysterious hieroglyphs. There is a belief that says that whoever deciphers them will find the key to untold riches. As you can see, the mysterious castle is indeed shrouded in many legends.

How to get to the castle?

The fortress is located near the town of Rožmberk nad Vltavou. The most convenient way to get there is by bus or car.

Buses run from . You will need to take a bus to, where you can find a bus that goes directly to Rožmberk. In total, the journey will take about 3.5 hours.

If you go by car, then from Prague you need to take the E49 highway, then turn onto road 122. This will take you to Krumlov, from where it is only 25 km to Rožmberk.