Free Time > Strongholds > Valdstejn
Valdstejn
- Address: Turnov [show on the map]
- Telephone: +420 481 312 304
- Website: http://www.hrad-valdstejn.cz/
- E-mail: hrad.valdstejn@cbox.cz
Description
The oldest castle in the Bohemian Paradise - the Valdstejn castle - was established in the middle of the 13th century by a family of Markvartic.
The famous army-leader Albrecht of Valdstejn originated from a stem of this family. The period of the Hussite wars brought decline to the castle; it remained completely desolate after a fire in the 16th century. A reversal did not come until the 18th century.
Owing to the care of the Valdstejns who regained the castle, it became a well-known pilgrimage place then. On the sandstone rock peaks, the Valdstejns have built a picturesque St. John of Nepomuk Chapel and a bridge with a baroque sculpture gallery.
As one of the first sights in our state, the castle was opened to the public in the 1920s. The owner, Alois Lexa of Aehrenthal connected it to the surroundings by many tourist footpaths. Some parts of the castle were rebuilt in a Romantic Neogothic style.
Now, Valdstejn is a property of the City of Turnov. It is graduallz being reconstructed thanks to the care of the City of Turnov and with a contribution of a state fund called Architectonic Heritage Preservation Programme.
Opening Hours
- April and October – Saturdays, Sundays, holidays – 9 am – 4:00 pm
- May to September – daily except Mondays – 9 am – 4.30 pm