Chateaus Úvaly

A Medieval Fortress Transformed into a Renaissance Residence in the Suburbs of Prague

Chvalský zámek, situated in Horní Počernice on the outskirts of Prague, has a rich history whose roots date back to the fourteenth century. Originally a medieval fortress founded by the lords of Chval, it served as a simple fortified residence for its first centuries. Its most significant period of prosperity occurred after 1573, when it was purchased by the Prague burgher and wealthy entrepreneur František Hrdý z Klokočné. He had the fortress rebuilt into a grandiose Renaissance château with an extensive courtyard, a brewery, and farm buildings. The château thus acquired its characteristic appearance with sgraffito decoration.

In the seventeenth century, the estate passed to the Old Town of Prague, and during the Thirty Years' War, the château was damaged twice. Nevertheless, it survived and served the city as an agricultural farmyard. After 1945, it became state property, but due to disuse and neglect, it fell into a state of disrepair. Its current appearance is the result of a comprehensive reconstruction at the beginning of the twenty-first century, which restored its Renaissance character. Today, the château focuses on cultural and social use, serving as a museum, a gallery, and a venue for concerts and theatrical performances.

Access

Chvalský zámek is located in the Prague 20 – Horní Počernice district. Access is possible via the D11 (E67) motorway or the I/10 road. Parking is available in the vicinity of the château. Public transport runs to Horní Počernice from Prague: buses to the Chvaly stop or by S2 train to the Praha-Horní Počernice station, from which the château is about a ten-minute walk away.

Things Worth Discovering

In the immediate vicinity of Chvalský zámek is zámek Černý Most, which was rebuilt from an original medieval fortress and today serves as a restaurant. North of the château lies the přírodní park Klánovický les, which offers extensive opportunities for relaxation and cycling in nature on the outskirts of Prague. In Horní Počernice, it is also possible to visit kostel sv. Bartoloměje, which was built in the Baroque style and is one of the landmarks of the district. Also worthy of mention is the nearby Prague district of Újezd nad Lesy, where the vodní nádrž Hostivař is located, ideal for recreation.

Baroque summer palace with a Chinese pavilion near Pragu

Zámek Bon Repos, situated in the Středočeský kraj region near Čelákovice, is a unique complex of summer houses that was built as a hunting and leisure residence for a Czech nobleman. Its name, Bon Repos, means "good rest" in French, which accurately reflects its purpose. It was built at the beginning of the 18th century for Count František Antonín Špork, one of the most significant patrons of Baroque art in Bohemia. The complex consists of the main Baroque chateau and two unique auxiliary buildings. One of them is the Červený zámek, and the second is the Chinese-inspired Čínský pavilon with an octagonal floor plan, which testifies to the fashion for oriental elements at the time. After the death of Špork, the chateau changed owners and was protected, but gradually fell into disrepair. In the 1990s, the chateau passed into private ownership and is shining once again following an extensive reconstruction.

Access

Zámek Bon Repos is located in the Středočeský kraj region, near the village of Čihadla. Access by car is possible via the I/38 road, with a turn-off onto a local road. Parking is available in the vicinity of the complex. The nearest rail connection is in the nearby town of Čelákovice.

What is worth exploring

The chateau is surrounded by an extensive chateau park and forests. In nearby Brandýs nad Labem, visitors may visit Zámek Brandýs nad Labem, which is a Renaissance building and a popular residence of the Habsburgs. One may also visit the historical town of Nymburk with its valuable Gothic fortifications. For nature lovers, the Labe river and its surroundings are of interest.