Konopiste Castle

Konopiště Castle is a stunning historical attraction in the Czech Republic, located near the town of Benešov, about 50 km southeast of Prague. It was founded in 1294 by Bishop Tobias of Benešov as a Gothic fortification inspired by French castles.

Owned by the Šternberk family for 275 years from 1327, the castle was besieged and conquered by King George of Poděbrady in 1467–68 — a siege lasting nearly two years, the longest in Czech medieval history — before returning to Šternberk hands. It later passed to Albrecht von Wallenstein, and in 1887 was purchased by Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose assassination in Sarajevo sparked World War I.

The castle is famous for its extensive collections of art, weapons, and hunting trophies, as well as its beautiful English landscape garden with a rose garden and statues. Visitors can choose from four different tour routes covering different parts of the castle and its history, each lasting 50 to 70 minutes — we can also arrange a special private visit to the rooms of the Archduke and his family. A walk through the rose garden, created by Franz Ferdinand’s wife Sophie, is included in this tour, as well as a short visit to the lovely Baroque Chateau Štiřín on the way back to Prague. Konopiště Castle is a must-see for anyone interested in European history and culture.

Tour Program Example

This is a half-day tour, duration 4 hours. All our tours can be customized according to your specific vision.

• Pick up at your accommodation
• Transfer to Konopiště (about 50 minutes from Prague)
• Visit to the Konopiště Castle complex
• Tour of the interiors of the castle (optional, not included in the package price)
• Transfer back to Prague, to your selected location (about 50 minutes)