Konopiště Castle

Originally a Gothic castle in French (castel) style modified in the first half of the l6th century. In 1605 a moat, which had originally surrounded the castle centre from all sides, and a new palace were joined. In the years 1725 - 1727 the south part of the castle and the middle wing were modified.
A new entrance to the castle with sculptures by M. B. Braun from 1725 was opened at that time. During modifications around 1750 the large hall's ceiling was decorated with a fresco Four Seasons by F. J. Lux and marble fireplaces with carved adomments by L. Widman were installed. A reconstruction of the castle in the years 1889 - 1894 was carried out by J. Mocker. A Landscape park was established around 1900. The famous d'Este armoury on the third floor of the castle including an extensive col­lection of historical weapons and armour came into existence by joining a former armory of the Italian family Obizzi and works belonging to the d'Este and Habs­burg families.