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Kozel Castle: A Classicist Hunting Lodge

Discover Kozel Castle: An 18th-century classicist hunting lodge with stunning interiors and a serene landscape park near Plzeň.

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Kozel Castle, near Plzeň, is an 18th-century hunting lodge showcasing classicist architecture. Surrounded by a large park, it offers a serene escape with period-furnished rooms and a unique in-house theater.

A brief summary to Kozel

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Explore the extensive landscape park surrounding the castle, perfect for a relaxing walk any time of year.
  • Check the tour availability in advance, as English tours may not always be available.
  • Visit the charming Bezejmenná čajovna (Nameless Teahouse) near the main car park for refreshments.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The most convenient way to reach Kozel Castle is by car. From Plzeň, follow the road towards Šťáhlavy. Once in Šťáhlavy, follow the signs to Zámek Kozel. Paid parking is available in the internal car park, directly in the manor house grounds. Parking is suitable for visitors with disabilities. Parking fees apply during the season.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Kozel Castle , the closest option is to take a train to Šťáhlavy station. From the station, it is approximately a 2 km walk to the castle via Hraběcí Alley. Note that the train station is not fully wheelchair accessible. Train tickets from Prague to Rokycany (the station before Šťáhlavy) cost between 120 Kč - 270 Kč.

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Discover more about Kozel

Kozel Castle, or Zámek Kozel in Czech, is a captivating hunting lodge located near the town of Šťáhlavy, approximately 15 km from Plzeň in the Czech Republic. Built in the late 18th century (1784-1789) by architect Václav Haberditz for Jan Vojtěch Czernin, it exemplifies pure classicist architecture in Bohemia. Unlike many castles that evolved from older structures, Kozel was constructed on a green field, allowing it to retain its original form. The castle's design is a ground-floor, four-wing building arranged around a rectangular courtyard. In the early 1790s, architect I. J. N. Palliardi added a riding school, chapel, footman's quarters, and stables, expanding the complex. The interiors are adorned with wall and ceiling paintings by Antonín Tuvora in the Louis-Seize style. Visitors can explore period-furnished rooms, including a hunting hall, blue lounge, bedroom, library, and billiard room. A highlight is the in-house theater, a rarity built by a later owner for his children from former stables. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is also within the castle grounds, hosting weddings and concerts. The surrounding landscape park, established in the 19th century, spans a large area with forests and gardens. The park features a pond where visitors can rent boats. The park is open year-round and provides a tranquil setting for walks. The name Kozel, meaning 'goat' in Czech, is said to originate from pagan times when a billy goat was sacrificed on the hill where the castle stands.

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