Karlštejn Castle
Castillo de Karlštejn
Karlštejn Castle (Státní hrad Karlštejn 172, Karlštejn) — located 45 minutes southwest of Prague (via routes D5 and E50), this castle was built in 1365 by Holy Roman emperor Charles IV to store the royal treasures, collections of holy relics, and the crown jewels. At the lowest point, one will find the settlement outside the castle walls with the Burgrave’s Palace and its originally designed well; the two-story Imperial Palace spreads out above this with the living quarters of the king, his court and noblewomen; on the next level, the smaller Marian Tower with chapels reaches for the sky; and on top, one will find the dominant Great Tower, in which the Czech royal treasures were supposed to have been stored. Admission: CZK 270 (adult), CZK 180 (seniors, students, children from 6 years), CZK 20 (children under 6 years). Hours vary. Check the Castle’s website for an updated schedule, as well as costs for its various guided tours: www.hradkarlstejn.cz