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Interesting places in the Czech Rep. KARLSTEJN Karlstejn castle was built by Charles IV who wanted the castle as like treasure vault for keeping the valuables for colonation. The construction started oin 1348 by architect Matyas from Arras, France but after his death, Peter Parler from Gmund took over the role. The construction was completed in 1365. In 1619, the treasures were moved out and therefore the value of the castle decreased. In 1836, the castle was opened for public. Current appearence is from reconstruction between 1887-1889. KONEPRUSKE CAVE Konepruske cave is located not far from Beroun city. The cave is one of the longest caves in the country and opened for public since 1950. The name is coming from "KONI" which means HORSES in Czech. There were many horses sighted near the cave. KONOPISTE Not far from city of Benesov, there is Konopiste castle, or may be better to say Konipiste chateau. The construction was started in 13th century as a gothic type castle.From 1327, the castle was owned by Sternberk family, a powerful noble family at that time. During Husite's war and the 30 years war, the castle was totally damaged. After 1610, the castle had changed to Renaissance style chateau. At the beginning of 18 century, the castle had changed again to Barock style. In 1887, the castle was bought by Crown prince of Austria, Franz Ferdinad d'Este and he and his family to this castle as a permanent residence for them. Again between 1889-1894, the castle was recontructed by J.Mocker and English style park(225 hecter) was introduced. After the assasination of Franz and his wife in Sarajevo, Bosnia which triggered the World War I and the defeat of Austrian Empire, the castle belongs to Czech state. |