Castle Blatná: A South Bohemian Water Castle

Castle Blatná, located in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, is a captivating water castle with a rich history dating back to 1235. Originally a wooden fortress, it was transformed over centuries into a stone chateau, showcasing Renaissance and Neo-Gothic styles. The castle is one of the best-preserved water castles in the country, along with Švihov and Červená Lhota. Throughout its history, Castle Blatná has been owned by various noble families, including the Lords of Rožmitál and the Hildprandt family. The Hildprandts, who regained possession in 1990 after being expelled during the Communist regime, have played a significant role in restoring the castle and its surrounding lands. The castle's architecture reflects changing artistic styles, and its interiors feature collections of the Hildprandt family. Today, visitors can explore the castle through guided tours, which include visits to the Oriental, Baroque, and Empire lounges, the hunting lounge, and the family gallery. The extended tour features the Green Room with wall paintings from the end of the 15th century. The castle is surrounded by a 42-hectare English park, where visitors can encounter tame fallow deer and peacocks roaming freely. The park also contains historical structures like an orangery and a hunting lodge.