If you are on holiday in the Czech Republic Karlštejn Castle is one of the places you must visit. It is a large Gothic castle founded in the 14th century by Charles IV. The castle served as a place for safekeeping the Empire coronation jewels, holy relics and other royal treasures. Located about 20 km southwest of Prague in the Karlštejn village, it is one of the most famous and heavily visited castles in the Czech Republic. All you need to do is jump into your hire car and drive to the Karlstejn Castle. From Prague there are two routes, one scenic route and one down the highway, both of which take approximately 30 minutes. Karlstejn Castle was founded in 1348. The first stay of Charles IV in the castle is documented in 1355 when he came to supervise the building works as well as the decoration of interiors, especially the castle chapels. The construction of the castle was finished in 1365 when the Chapel of the Holy Cross situated in the Great tower was consecrated. The Chapel of the Holy Cross’ walls are covered by semi-precious stones, gilding and 127 panel paintings of saints from the workshop of Master Theodorik. Panel paintings constitute one of the largest collections of the Gothic panel paintings in the world. The castle is mainly open from 9am until 3pm but please do check with the castle for all year round timings. There is an admission for the set tour round the castle which includes viewing the historical interiors of the Imperial palace and the lower floors of the Marian tower with valuable equipment of 14th to 19th centuries. You will also view the Courtier's Hall, the Hall of Knights with the Chapel of St. Nicolas, the Chapter Deanery, the Royal Bedroom, the Audience and Banquet Halls, the Hall of Ancestors and the Treasury and Jewels Hall which was the former castle prison.
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