Out of Prague - Konopiste Castle

The beautiful medieval Konopiště Chateau is connected with the name of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, successor to the Habsburg throne, who rebuilt the castle to its present Romantic look at the end of the 19th century. Konopiště is known for its large collection of Ferdinand's hunting trophies and weapons, antique furniture and art objects, as well as its Rose Garden.

Konopiště is a château (castle) located about 50 km southeast of Prague, outside the city of Benešov. It has become famous as the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered World War I. Until his assassination in Sarajevo on 28th of June, 1914, he lived here with his lovely wife Sophie and their children. The castle has become a museum for the art object that he and his family collected over centuries.

Konopiste was founded as a gothic fortress in style of French castels at the end of 13th century probably by the bishop Tobias from Benesov. The first interference with the medieval structure of the castle was made at the end of 15th century by Jiri from Sternberk and later at the beginning of 17th century by the House of Hodejovsky from Hodejov. The Vrtbas from Vrtba rebuilt it into a baroque residence in 18th century. The Duke Frantisek Ferdinand d’Este who bought the castle from the Lobkowitzs in 1887 rebuilt Konopiste into a magnificent residence of the future emperor. The rooms of the castle were furnished by the musuem collections which Frantisek Ferdinand inherited from the Duke of Modena.
Konopiště castle is now open to the public. Visitors can observe the residential rooms of Franz Ferdinand, a large collection of antlers (Franz Ferdinand was an enthusiastic hunter), an armory with medieval weapons, a shooting hall with moving targets and a garden with Italian Renaissance statues and greenhouses. It is a popular place for weddings.

After exploring the castle's interior, wander around the manicured gardens where quails, pheasants, and peacocks roam freely. Children enjoy the moat, home to two bears who wander in circles for hours at a time. Down below the castle is a large pond where some people go swimming, though the water quality is questionable. Picnicking is allowed, but stock up before coming since there's no place to get groceries near the castle.

The castle is open in April Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 12:30pm and 1 to 3pm (Sat and Sun 1-4pm); May to August from 9am to 12:30pm and 1 to 5pm; September from 9am to 12:30pm and 1 to 4pm; October from 9am to 12:30pm and 1 to 3pm (Sat and Sun 1-4pm); and November from 9am to 12:30pm and 1 to 3pm. The castle grounds are open 24 hours year-round. For more information, visit www.zamek-konopiste.cz