Zvikov

Zvikov Castle dates to the first half of the 13th Century. Uniquely situated on a rocky headland at the confluence of the Vltava and Otava Rivers, the castle is surrounded by water on all sides except for the narrow strip of land that joins it to the mainland. This was a defense strategy but it also makes for a dramatic setting. The castle used to sit much higher above the water line but the building of the Orlik Dam changed the water levels.

Although Zvikov Castle is considered one of the best preserved medieval castles in Bohemia, it has undergone major reconstruction both in the 19th Century and again in the 1970s.

The 13th Century tower of the inner castle is the oldest portion of the castle complex, which consists of several buildings. The numerous rooms in the main castle are connected by a vaulted arcade. One of the highlights of the castle is the 15th Century chapel, notable for its impressive wall paintings. The room below the chapel contains some of the oldest furnishings of the palace.

This Zvikov Castle was once one of the most important castles in Bohemia.