260 CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp288–91 and pp292–5
The first floor of the
Grand Tower features
two rooms, which in
the 19th century were
turned into a museum
with a collection of
paintings of Karlštejn
and other castles.Voršilka Tower
The Voršilka Tower was once the
castle’s main entrance. Now the
entrance is via the gate below the
tower, and along the former moat.The Well Tower
The Well Tower is situated
at the lowest point of the
castle complex. Inside is
an old wooden treadwheel
for hauling water, which was
operated by two people.This Gothic castle is one of the most visited historic
sites in the country. It was built for the Holy Roman
Emperor Charles IV in 1348 as a royal residence and
a treasury where the imperial insignia and crown jewels
as well as docu ments, works of art and holy relics were
stored. In the 16th century, Karlštejn was remodelled
in the Renaissance style. The castle was restored in the
19th century by Josef Mocker, who returned the build-
ing to its original appearance.
Karlštejn Castle 2
hrad Karlštejn
Grand
Tower. Holy Cross Chapel
The walls of the Holy
Cross Chapel are hung
with a unique collection
of 129 portraits of saints
and monarchs –
the work of Master
Theodoric, court
painter to
Charles IV.
STAR FEATURES. Holy Cross Chapel
. Church of St Mary