Státní zámek Konopiště

About the museum

The Gothic castle at Konopiště was built towards the end of the 13th century, although its exact dating and founder are not certain. The first written mention dates from 1318, and the castle belonged to the lords of Benešovice, then from 1327 to the Šternberk family. Later it was held by the Hodějovští, Valdštejn and Michna families, from 1716 to 1830 by the Vrtba family, and then by the Lobkowicz family. The Baroque gate dates from 1725.

In 1887 Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, bought the Konopiště estate. In the 1890s he had the château rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style, mainly to designs by the architect Josef Mocker, and added a water supply and electricity. Konopiště became the centre of his family life and his passion for hunting; today the château houses a large collection of hunting trophies and weapons.

After the assassination in Sarajevo in 1914, the château was confiscated, and in 1921 it passed to the Czechoslovak Republic under a special law. During the Second World War, the SS headquarters were based here. After the liberation, the château was opened to the public, and today it is managed by the National Heritage Institute.

Highlights

• Salons of the south and north wings – the basic tour routes
• Private rooms of Franz Ferdinand d'Este's family (exclusive tour for up to 8 people)
• Hunting route with exotic trophies and a collection of hunting weapons
• Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este's shooting range in the former stables
• Rose Garden with greenhouses and children's tours of the château

Permanent exhibitions

• Salony jižního křídla zámku – Basic tour through the reception and guest rooms on the first floor of the south wing.
• Salony severního křídla – The tour leads through the oldest part of the château, with Gothic and Renaissance vaulting, including the Chapel of St Hubert.
• Lovecká trasa – Hunting exhibition with exotic trophies, a collection of hunting weapons and an explanation of the tradition of the hunt.

Operated by

Národní památkový ústav

Admission & discounts

Prices apply to the basic routes Salons of the South Wing and Salons of the North Wing; tours are in Czech. Children's tours of the château or of the greenhouses in the Rose Garden are for children aged 3–8 and have their own price list. Tickets are sold at the ticket office and online.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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 South Wing Salons tour involves a wide staircase of about 40 steps, the North Wing Salons tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the Hunting Route is physically demanding. An accessible toilet is located in the hall in front of the ticket office. Dogs are not allowed in the exhibition rooms, the courtyard, the terraces or the Rose Garden.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+

• Family tours & workshops

The château offers children's tours of the château or of the greenhouses in the Rose Garden for children aged 3–8 with a costumed guide, Princess Sophie. They run on weekends from April to November and, in summer, daily except Mondays. Advance booking is required.

Getting there & parking

By car via the E55 and first-class road no. 3; take the Benešov exit and follow the signs.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

At the château there is the château restaurant, the D'Este café, a bistro, a chocolate shop and the Rose Café in the Rose Garden; their opening hours may differ from those of the château.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit