Chateaus Bystřice (okres Benešov)

A Neo-Gothic Residence Surrounded by a Landscape Park, Inseparably Connected with Baroness Sidonie Nádherná.

Zámek Vrchotovy Janovice, originally a water fortress, is located approximately 60 km south of Prague in the Central Bohemian Region. It acquired its current romantic Neo-Gothic appearance following extensive reconstruction in the mid-19th century. The chateau is inseparably connected with its last private owners, the Nádherný of Borutín family, particularly the famous Baroness Sidonie Nádherná, a patron of the arts and friend of Karl Kraus and Rainer Maria Rilke. For more than 50 years, the property has been part of the exhibitions of the Národní muzeum in Prague, which presents permanent exhibitions here in an authentic environment. The dominant feature of the entire complex is an extensive, over two-hundred-year-old landscape park with a pond and rare trees, which ranks among the most admired parks in Bohemia.

Access

The chateau is located in the village of Vrchotovy Janovice. Access by car from Prague is via road number E55 (the D1 motorway) with a turnoff onto road number 3. Parking is available near the chateau. Bus transport provides connections to Benešov and Votice, with the nearest stop located directly in the village. The chateau park is accessible year-round, while the chateau interior is open according to seasonal opening hours.

What to Explore

The Kraj blanických rytířů region attracts tourists to explore. Visitors can set out for Velký Blaník, a memorable mountain with a lookout tower, which is shrouded in the legend of the Blaník knights. Not far away is the town of Votice with the Gothic Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. For families with children, an interesting stop is the Modelářský domek and the traffic playground in nearby Štětkovice.

Originally a Gothic fortress, later an extensive Renaissance château in the Středočeský kraj region, which has been converted into a luxurious family residence.

Zámek Smilkov, situated in the Středočeský kraj region near Benešov, has its historical roots in a 15th-century Gothic fortress. The fortress was rebuilt into a Renaissance château in the 16th century by the Smilkovští ze Smilkova family. The château is known for its elegant Renaissance details and an extensive historical park. Following an extensive renovation in the 21st century, the château serves as a luxurious family residence and is occasionally opened to the public for cultural events. It is surrounded by a meticulously maintained park, which completes its exclusive character.

Access

Zámek Smilkov is located in the village of Smilkov, at the address Smilkov 1. By car, access is available from the D1 motorway (exit 66) or from the II/125 road. Parking is possible at a free car park near the village. Bus transport has its nearest stop at Smilkov, obec, which is within walking distance. The nearest railway station, Vlašim (line 222), is about 10 km away, from where it is necessary to use a bus connection. Interior tours are limited.

What is worth knowing

In the vicinity of Smilkov, visitors may visit the historical town of Benešov with Zámek Konopiště, the well-known residence of Franz Ferdinand d'Este. Visitors may also visit Hrad Český Šternberk, a majestic Gothic castle above the Sázava river. Also of interest is Rozhledna Blaník, which offers a view of the Středočeská pahorkatina and the surrounding area.