Renaissance of the Renaissance – newly restored and installed interiors at Kratochvíle Castle

The National Institute of Historical Monument Care, regional office České Budějovice, presents the public with newly restored interiors at the Renaissance castle of Kratochvíle.

 

The restoration and installation of the interior at Kratochvíle Castle is taking place as part of the project „Renaissance of the Renaissance“. This project's objective is to present Kratochvíle in its original form as a great work of architecture and art, to remind us of its distinguished founders, and present the castle as a welcoming place built for relaxation and recreation, as the castle's name („pleasant diversion“) implies.

 

The Italian architect Baltazar Maggi di Arogno, together with other artists, were given free reign at Kratochvíle to create, and they evidently did not waste the chance. The symmetrical composition, balanced proportions, and unique artistic decoration make Kratochvíle Castle a work which is not easily comparable in Europe.

 

The founders of the castle were two well-known brothers in the history of South Bohemia, Vilém and Petr Vok of Rožmberk. Their work continued in the family of the Eggenbergs.

 

Last year two Renaissance rooms of the castle were opened – the Golden Room and the Ruler's Room, and this year several more interiors will be opened – the chamber, Petr Vok's study, Petr Vok's bedroom, the antecameral, and the Golden Hall.

 

Restoration work on the Renaissance interiors still continues, and like last year, visitors will have the opportunity to observe the restoration work in process during the tour.

 

The NIHMC invested 9.5 million Kč into the renovation and restorational work as well as another 6.2 million Kč into restoration and purchase of various inventory items including furnishings of hitherto empty rooms.

 

The remaining parts of the castle are still open to the public – the church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, recently restored, stucco and painted decorations, and the castle gardens will also be open with several theatre performances, children's fairy tales, and creative workshops for making wooden puppets and moving studios. In the middle of the season, visitors can enjoy a series of garden theatres and poetry theatres in the summer garden at dusk. As always, the offer is definitely worth the visit.