- Address: 277 23 Kokořín, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 315 695 064
- Website: hrad-kokorin.cz
Castles of the Czech Republic are almost the most beautiful in the whole of Central Europe, and, coming here for the sake of preserved masterpieces of medieval architecture, you will be many times right. Some of them are still private possessions of wealthy families, and in some castles you can celebrate your anniversary or wedding . Such strongholds as Kokořín Castle are considered a pearl of Czech architecture and have a special history.
What is Kokorjin?
The name "Kokorjin" is one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. It is located in the Central Bohemian region to the north-east of the city of Melnik . The distance between them is only about 14 km. Construction of the castle is attributed to the beginning of the XIV century. According to the annals, it was conducted on sandy rocks on the orders of Ginek Berkoi, a nobleman from Duba. The castle stands on a remote hill, completely surrounded by forests. In the subsequent Hussite wars, Kokořin was very much destroyed and was not restored for a long time.
The reigning emperor Ferdinand III during his reign forbade any construction on this site, since the strategic location of the castle could greatly threaten the stability of the existing government. In 1894, ancient ruins were sold to Vaclav Špáček, whose son rebuilt the castle of Kokořín again in 1911-1918. Jan Shpachek restored the appearance of the castle in a neo-Gothic architectural style. The project of restoration and reconstruction was headed by the architect Eduard Sohor, and he, in turn, was advised by the respected historian Chenek Siebrt and August Sedlacek.
After the end of the Second World War in 1951, Kokořín Castle in the Czech Republic was nationalized, and in 2001 - recognized as a national monument of the country. Already in 2006, in the Czech Republic, a restitution stage was carried out, according to which Kokojin after a persistent struggle was returned to the ownership of the Shpachek family.
What is interesting about the castle?
Kokořin built in the Gothic style with some elements of baroque. Outwardly it is an impregnable stronghold, not a palace. Inside the wall there is a round tower of conical shape and with a stone dome. Its height is 40 m. The tower is called "bergfrit", on its top there is an observation deck , from where you can admire the surrounding panoramic view.
The tower is decorated with knightly heraldry, armor is on display. Some observation windows are open. Rising to the third floor, pay attention to the full-scale layout of the castle in its best years. Near the tower are residential buildings. All rooms are surrounded by a thick defensive wall, on top of which there are galleries. Defensive walls have small loopholes for defenders. The castle is led by a wooden bridge, which, according to the classics, is thrown over a ditch.
In the inner halls, where visitors enter the excursion , the castle owners tried to recreate the historical beauty, the uniqueness of the decoration elements and the chivalry. Today, the living quarters have not been rebuilt, but the hotel rooms are equipped according to the most modern standards. Interestingly, some visitors manage to see the castle ghosts.
How to get to the castle of Kokorjin?
Visit the fortress and see its internal equipment, you can as part of a group excursion, which are held in the walls of the citadel. Also there is an opportunity to stay here for the night or live longer time, as the modern castle of Kokořin is a hotel .
Here you can easily get from Prague : between the capital of the Czech Republic and Kokorgin from the bus station Nádraží Holešovice there is a regular bus. The flight is laid through the nearest town of Melnik to collect all those who wish to visit the castle. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.