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Castle Loket-Hrad Loket

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12 Km from Karlovy Vary, Loket, Czech Republic

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Hrad Loket Photo - Castle Loket-Hrad Loket, Loket, Czech Republic

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Who loves quiet - go there

by Zhebiton

Moscow, Moskva, Russia

December 24, 2011

In the Czech Republic, near the famous health resorts throughout Europe, Karlovy Vary, 120 km west of Prague, located majestic medieval castle Loket. On a high hill, surrounded by small, resembling toys, houses, towers mysterious and majestic ...Read more In the Czech Republic, near the famous health resorts throughout Europe, Karlovy Vary, 120 km west of Prague, located majestic medieval castle Loket. On a high hill, surrounded by small, resembling toys, houses, towers mysterious and majestic castle. It received its name from the word "elbow", because the bend Ohře resembles the shape bent at the elbow human hand. Date of foundation of the castle is not known, presumably it for more than eight hundred years.

There are reports that say that the castle was originally built as a border fortress, but over the years of its existence it has served many other functions. And used as a prison and as a residence for the rest of the Czech high-ranking nobility, was an administrative center and a center of trade routes.

At present the castle is a historical museum. Inspection of the castle begins with the exhibition of Czech porcelain, archeology continues, then you can go to a museum of weapons, and then waits for visitors to the premises of the former prison, where he currently is an impressive exhibition of torture chambers.

On the ground floor of the county administration is an exhibition of archaeological hall with frescoes. At home Markgrafskom placed tombstones of the cemetery and the former Loket Renaissance tombstone of Rabbi Benyamina. He himself is a late Romanesque style. In 1725 the house burned down Markgrafsky, but now it has been restored and there is exhibition of porcelain. In the wing near the medieval tower is a museum of weapons. Especially fascinating vintage wedding hall and ceremonies. It is decorated with portraits of famous people and numerous murals. It is often rented out for weddings, all kinds of balls and other events.

In the courtyard that serves a large number of statues of gnomes and other mythical characters. On the area for thrill-seekers held public executions - imitating the old times, different penalty only because it is constantly involved in one and the same girl who, at the request of onlookers could "die" for an encore. Those who like the same unusual experiences offered a gloomy prison, and visit the torture room. Visitors can try on these irons, or sit in a cell designed for inmates. All these cameras are equipped with an arsenal of the martyrdom of the former prison. There, and a display of wax figures, imitating the horrible nightmares of torture and imprisonment.

Painted ceilings on the second floor of the castle create an amazing atmosphere of the Middle Ages. A exhibition of Czech porcelain will delight connoisseurs. You can also visit the exhibition of arms and get acquainted with the life of the inhabitants of 12-18 centuries.

To attract good luck into your life for tourists are invited to get acquainted with the sculpture of a dwarf Gotshteyna, you just need to touch his mustache. Touching the same club, you can incur the trouble.

According to historical records the first stones in the construction of the castle was laid in the 12th century, in the second half. This was done either by King Vladislav II, a ministerial Frederick Barbarossa of I, which by order of the German Emperor yearned to learn and take new ground. Obviously, the castle on the site of a small Slavic town, confirmation of this finding are shtaufskoy architecture.

At the site of the present Markgrafskogo home were first building, surrounded by towers, and church was located. Many buildings have not survived to our time. The oldest part of the castle is a Romanesque chapel Loket-rotunda. Its inner diameter of 3.6 meters, and small size are the hallmark of other similar buildings in the Czech Republic. Restorers have found it quite by accident, in the reconstruction of the castle. Previously, she was safely sheltered from the prying eyes of a powerful northern staircase. That chapel indicates the presence of Slavic architecture in the construction of the castle. Until now, historians can not identify the product or shtaufskoy przhemyslovskoy architectural structures were Loket.

Since the mid-15th century appearance of the castle gradually changed and acquired features of the Gothic style. At this time, there is often visited the royal person. Architectural value are unusual and semi-cylindrical towers that were built along with new ramparts during the reign of Premysl Otakar II th.

From the windows of the castle offers magnificent views of the rich and dense forests of the Czech Republic, on the mountains surrounding the fortress. You can also admire the magnificent river, namely the one which gave the unusual name Loket.

Quite a large and beautiful castle in modern times strikes visitors with a special flair and romantic. Up to this day preserved Romanesque castle, though since its erection it has undergone many modifications and changes. In appearance he is a high medieval fortress surrounded by a protective wall. At the bottom of the river flows Orgzhe, which at that time was still a reliable barrier to the walls of the castle.

Historians call the three possible founders of the castle: Prince Vladislav II, King Premysl Otakar I and Wenceslaus I. The first mention of Loket dated 1234 year. Originally the castle was built as a fortification against the German invaders. It was a powerful frontier, at that time a major barrier to entry to the Czech Republic.

It was in the castle languished in prison the future Emperor Charles IV. Eliska with her mother Przhemyslovnoy here he saw the last time. John of Luxembourg sent it to Miller for a lifetime link. As an adult, Charles IV, despite all the troubles associated with Loket, still liked to stay in the castle. In addition, he often spent his diplomatic meetings here.

Vaclav IV, son of Charles IV, has significantly expanded and strengthened the castle, which has increased its defense. In the 15th century castle gradually fell into decay. Loket later transformed into a prison and served that role until the middle of the XX century. Since 1968 the castle was opened Loket Historical Museum.

Loket castle shrouded in many stories and legends of extraordinary. Loket Legend tells the story of a terrible dragon that lives in the tower and protecting many ghosts wandering the castle cellars. Another legend associated with the Emperor Charles IV. When the emperor once hunted in the vicinity of the castle, his horse stumbled, and in this place appeared a source of healing. Today, this place works by the famous Czech spa - Karlovy Vary.

March - November: running in between 9:00 - 15:30
October - April from 9:00 to 16:30

Cost: Guided tours (German, English, Czech, Russian languages)
Children, students, pensioners 3,50 € or 75 CZK
Adults 4,50 € or 3,50 €,
Family ticket 14,50 € or 3,50 €. Close

From journal Defense and guard fortress

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