Virtual tours of CZECH REPUBLIC

The gothic water castle of Svihov, one of most beautiful in Czech Republic, was built at the break of the 15th and 16th century on the site of a former stronghold under participation of the constructor Benedikt Rieto. It had very important place among fortification buildings. The core of the castle consists of two residential wings which enclose two internal regular yards. The presbytery of the chapel stands out from the moat in the east, in the west there is a mighty prism tower. Around the castle there was a settlement fortified by bastions and another water dike.

After the Thirty Years' War, led by fears that robbers would settle in the castle, Emperor Ferdinand issued an order to demolish the building. Fortunately, the order was withdrawn soon after demolition work commenced and that is why the castle has preserved its late medieval appearance to this day. It was reconstructed in the mid-20th century.

The interiors of the castle illustrate the life in the 16th century. There are precious sculptures in the chapel, the armory of the castle is also remarkable. There is a valuable set of gothic art from the collections of the National Gallery in the castle. Historical exhibitions alternate in the exhibition hall.