Some castles in the Czech Republic are closed to the public. Some offer to stay overnight. But only in Karlstejn Castle can you royally celebrate a wedding or an anniversary. What was available only to monarchs in the Middle Ages today can be afforded by anyone ready to lash out on a luxurious celebration. Or at least go on a fascinating tour of the royal castle that rises on a cliff above the picturesque Berounka River.

The Gothic Karlstejn Castle was built in the 14th century by the order of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. The best court masters worked on the construction of the citadel, which was intended for the emperor himself as a summer residence and depository of royal regalia. Charles IV chose Karlstejn Castle to keep his only passion and main treasure – the collection of sacred relics.

The project of the Czech castle was created by the famous Flemish architect Matthias of Arras. The emperor liked Karlstejn so much that he settled in it two years before the end of its construction. Indeed, the medieval castle turned out to be majestic. It was unlike any other castles in the Czech Republic. Each new building towered over the previous one, and the architectural ensemble was crowned by the Great Tower of the chapel. Charles used this chapel to keep his treasures, including the precious crown of the Holy Roman Empire.

The castle was also an impregnable stone fortress. Its walls were up to 4 meters thick. The chambers of the Czech king were located on the upper floors, along with the chapel and the Church of the Virgin Mary. The lower castle with a charming inner courtyard was occupied by burgraves and noble families. Neither the Hussites in the 15th century nor the Swedes in the 17th century succeeded in seizing the impregnable citadel. So, the ancient castle still rises on the cliff. Moreover, it has now become the most popular tourist attraction in the Czech Republic.