Kozel Castle: A Classicist Hunting Lodge

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.