Státní zámek Duchcov

About the museum

A medieval Gothic fortified manor stood on the site of today's chateau; it is first mentioned in 1385. From 1527 it belonged to the Lobkowicz family, who rebuilt it as a smaller Renaissance chateau. The Valdštejn family left the greatest mark: they acquired the estate in 1642 and held it until 1921. The present five-winged palace with its forecourt was given its form in 1675–1685 by Jan Bedřich of Valdštejn, to plans by the architect Jean Baptiste Mathey. In 1707 side wings were added, and in 1812–1818 the facade was given a Classicist appearance.

In the 18th century the chateau and its garden were the setting for social festivities and theatre and music performances; guests included Goethe, Schiller and Beethoven. The most famous resident was Giacomo Casanova, who worked here from 1785 to 1798 as librarian to Count Valdštejn and spent the last thirteen years of his life here.

After the land reform the Valdštejns sold the chateau to the state and removed most of the furnishings. In the 20th century the complex was badly damaged by a fire in the chateau church in 1945, and by the demolition of the park and the Baroque hospital because of planned coal mining. From the 1960s the chateau has been restored and opened to the public; in 2000 an exhibition on Casanova was set up, and in 2011 the Valdštejn chateau museum exhibition. The chateau is managed by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ).

Highlights

• Casanova's apartment and library in the billiard wing
• Valdštejn interiors from the late 19th century, with the family portrait gallery
• Chateau collections: musical instruments, curiosities and the armoury
• Exhibition “Enchanted by Antiquity” with almost 150 casts of ancient works
• Pavilion with the Baroque fresco by Václav Vavřinec Reiner
• Baroque Princely Garden

Permanent exhibitions

• Valdštejnská prohlídka – The tour leads through the representative chateau interiors from the late 19th century, from the main hall with the family portrait gallery of the Valdštejns to the dining room, salons, bedroom and print cabinet.
• Casanova na zámku – The tour of the billiard wing includes Giacomo Casanova's apartment and library, and an explanation of his life and of his time at the Duchcov chateau.
• Okouzleni antikou – The exhibition in eight halls presents almost 150 casts of ancient works and recalls antique inspirations in the chateau theatre and the nobility's journeys to classical monuments.

Operated by

Národní památkový ústav

Admission & discounts

The basic price of CZK 180 applies to the Valdštejn tour, the first tour. Each tour is charged separately and the tours do not follow on from one another. Free admission is also granted to holders of free and single-use tickets issued by the NPÚ, NPÚ staff (including up to three family members), holders of ICOMOS cards (for some tours) and holders of Náš člověk cards. Payment is possible in cash or by card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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

Step-free access leads to the courtyard and to the exhibitions on the ground floor, but the tour routes on the first floor go up stairs. The Enchanted by Antiquity exhibition is step-free and can be visited without a guide.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

The 30-minute Chateau collections tour suits families with younger children; children under 5 enter free. A worksheet is available for school groups visiting the Enchanted by Antiquity exhibition. The chateau has a changing table.

Getting there & parking

From Prague the trip along motorway D8 takes about an hour. Roads into central Duchcov are Osecká (from Osek and Litvínov), Teplická (from Teplice and Ústí nad Labem) and Lipová (from Bílina and Most). Cyclists can leave their bicycles at the racks in the courtyard.

Amenities & dining

There is no permanent refreshment stand in the chateau grounds; the Barbora bistro is in a nearby street and a café is on the square in front of the chateau. Publications can be bought from the NPÚ e-shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 136 guests.

The Valdštejn Hall (162 m², 136 seats in theatre layout) is available for hire for concerts, theatre, workshops, conferences and corporate events. Wedding ceremonies take place in the hall on advertised dates; photography in the wedding interiors is possible by arrangement with the chateau management.

Plan your visit