The pearl surrounded with park and water

Private tour in Prague

Tour Price : 240 EUR Duration : 6 hours Languages: Russian, English

The Konopiste Castle was built in XIII century by bishop Tobias from Benesov. During Hussite wars it undergone to the long siege of royal armies proceeding 17 months and at last was ñaptured by army of Czech king George from Podebrady. In 1887 castle has been sold for 2 million to Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand d` Este, the successor of the Austro-Hungarian throne. Archduke made water-pipe, installed the electricity - the first one in Bohemia, and hydraulic lift .

Around the castle appeared the English park with terraces, rosary and marble statues. Franz Ferdinand was well educated and fell in love with Czech countess Sophia Chotkova. Though several days before wedding she have got the title Duchess of Hohenberg, Franz Ferdinand understood that he couldn't live with his adored woman in Vienna. It was the only reason why he bought this castle and lived here in peaceful and happy atmosphere to be far from intrigues and gossips.

But Habsburg dynasty never forgot it. We will not find in family tree his wife or his children. In 1914 Franz Ferdinand with his wife Sophia visited Sarajevo and were killed by Gavrilo Princip. It was the impulse for the first world war. Franz Ferdinand was passionate hunter. There are the largest collection of armoury, medieval weapons, antlers and stuffed animals.

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