Státní hrad a zámek Bečov

About the museum

The medieval castle of Bečov was founded in the first half of the 14th century. The first reliable mention dates from 1349, when the lords of Osek, later of Rýzmburk, issued a charter documenting the castle seat. After 1352 construction began on a tower, in which the chapel of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary was eventually created, with unique al secco murals from around 1360. After 1356 one of the largest keeps in Bohemia was built nearby.

In 1495 the castle was acquired by the Pluh of Rabštejn family, who, thanks to the wealth from tin mining in the Slavkov Forest (Slavkovský les), significantly influenced its development: they remodelled the interiors of the keep, converted the oldest part of the castle into a Renaissance form (today the Pluhovské domy, the Pluh houses), and connected the keep and the chapel with a so-called tabulnice. Later a Baroque chateau was built beside the castle.

Today the castle and chateau are managed by the Národní památkový ústav (National Heritage Institute). The main attraction is the museum and gallery exhibition with the Romanesque reliquary of St Maurus, an outstanding goldsmith's monument, supplemented by the exhibition Kult svatých těl (The Cult of Holy Bodies). Visitors can also take tours of the chateau interiors, the medieval castle and the castle chapel.

Highlights

• Romanesque reliquary of St Maurus with an accompanying exhibition
• uniquely preserved medieval castle with a keep and a chapel from the second half of the 14th century
• al secco murals from around 1360 in the castle chapel
• Baroque chateau with a model of the castle and the exhibition Kult svatých těl (The Cult of Holy Bodies)
• special tour of the reliquary for blind visitors, with a 1:1 tactile model

Permanent exhibitions

• Relikviář sv. Maura – Museum and gallery exhibition on the Romanesque reliquary of St Maurus, with an accompanying exhibition on its history.
• Kult svatých těl – Exhibition of eighteen exhibits on Baroque piety, reliquary decoration and the tradition of venerating the relics of saints.

Operated by

Národní památkový ústav

Admission & discounts

The price of the main item applies to the Relikviář sv. Maura circuit. The exhibition texts are in Czech and English; an audio guide in German can be bought at the ticket office. Payment is possible by card and in cash. Free admission is also granted to holders of free NPÚ tickets, NPÚ employees and holders of the Náš člověk card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle and chateau are not yet step-free. The castle-chateau complex is harder to access for visitors with reduced mobility because of its uneven terrain. Before a visit, it is necessary to contact the management to arrange tours of the chateau interiors and the reliquary. A special tour of the reliquary circuit with a 1:1 tactile model is offered to blind visitors.

Kids & families

Children under 5 enter free; children aged 6–17 pay the reduced admission.

Getting there & parking

The town lies at the junction of the E49 road Karlovy Vary – Plzeň and road no. 230 to Mariánské Lázně. It is 62 km from Plzeň, 25 km from Karlovy Vary and 23 km from Mariánské Lázně.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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