Hrad Cheb
The only Hohenstaufen imperial palace in the Czech Republic, with the Black Tower, the double chapel of St Erhard and St Ursula, casemates and exhibitions.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The origins of Cheb Castle go back to the beginning of the 12th century. Its history is linked to the Hohenstaufen dynasty: at the end of the 12th century Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa had the original building rebuilt as an imperial palace, the only one of its kind in our territory. He visited the castle repeatedly, held imperial diets here and stayed here before leaving for the Third Crusade. Other rulers also stayed here, among them Charles IV and George of Poděbrady.
Only part of the former palace survives today: the massive Black Tower of dark volcanic tuff and, above all, the double Romanesque-Gothic chapel of St Erhard and St Ursula, one of the most valuable examples of Hohenstaufen Gothic in Central Europe. Within the castle grounds took place the so-called Bloody Feast in 1634, when the last loyal companions of Albrecht of Wallenstein were murdered.
By decree of Emperor Ferdinand III in 1652, Cheb was rebuilt as a border fortress, and the castle took on the form of a Baroque citadel; the casemates date from this period. After the fortress was abolished the complex gradually fell into disrepair, and today it is open to the public. Visitors can climb the Black Tower, see the chapel and the casemates with an exhibition on judicial torture and the castle armoury, and visit the Mill Tower with its collection of historic costumes. The castle is managed by the town of Cheb.
Highlights
- the only Hohenstaufen imperial palace on the territory of the Czech Republic
- double Romanesque-Gothic chapel of St Erhard and St Ursula
- Black Tower, 18.5 m high, with 109 steps and a view over the town
- casemates with an exhibition on judicial torture and the castle armoury
- Mill Tower with an exhibition of historic costumes
- remains of the castle palace and Baroque fortifications
Permanent exhibitions
- Kasematy – právo útrpné a hradní zbrojnice – In the western casemates there is an exhibition on the development of judicial torture and capital punishment, and an armoury with a collection of edged weapons and firearms.
- Expozice historických kostýmů v Mlýnské věži – The best-preserved part of the late medieval fortifications of Cheb holds a collection of costumes from the 9th to the 18th century.
- Dvojitá kaple sv. Erharda a Uršuly – A two-storey chapel from the Hohenstaufen period with rich sculptural decoration, and a small 15th-century alchemist's room.
- Operated by
- Město Cheb
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 120 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 60 Kčchildren aged 6 to 15, students and pensioners aged 65 and over |
| Children & teens | 60 Kčfree up to age 5 · Children under 6 enter free; children aged 6 to 15 pay CZK 60. |
| Seniors | 60 KčPensioners aged 65 and over pay half the admission. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeHolders of a ZTP/P card enter free on presentation of the card. |
| Students & apprentices | 60 KčStudents pay half the admission on presentation of a student card. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Tickets for groups of 10 or more can be reserved by arrangement with the castle custodian. |
| Families | 300 KčThe family ticket applies to 2 adults and 2 children. |
Tickets are sold at the castle ticket office to the right of the entrance gate and cannot be returned; they are valid for one visit only. With an EgroNet travel ticket there is a 50% discount. Admission to cultural events follows a separate price list.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Black Tower is reached by 109 steps. Dogs may not roam freely in the grounds, and they are not allowed in the exhibitions.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | 300 Kč · The family ticket applies to 2 adults and 2 children. |
A family ticket is available. Children under 6 enter free, and children under 15 may enter the grounds only accompanied by an adult.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
From the train and bus station, walk across Milady Horákové Square and Svobody Street to King George of Poděbrady Square, then along Jakubská, Růžová and Trčky z Lípy Street to the castle gate.
By car
Parking available · 400 m to the entrance
A small car park is directly in front of the castle on E. Krásnohorské Street; other spaces are on Dobrovského, Kachní and Trčky z Lípy streets. When the car park is full, the car park on Kasární Square, less than 400 m away, is used.
The castle stands in the historic centre of Cheb on the bank of the Ohře, and by car or bus you can almost reach the gate.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
Wedding ceremonies are possible in the chapel of St Erhard and St Ursula or in the castle courtyard; the total fee is CZK 5,500.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Private individuals may photograph and film in the grounds unless a sign prohibits it; commercial shots require written permission from the management. |
| Good to know | The tour is independent. Guides are usually available at the castle in July and August; outside these months, and for tours in a foreign language, arrangements must be made in advance. Children under 15 may enter the grounds only with an adult. Eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed indoors. |
