DATE OF VISIT: April 2025
COMMENTARY/FEEDBACK:
Castle Sychrov and park, is located approximately 95 kilometres north-east of Prague and is only 15 kilometres from Hrad Kost/Castle Kost, (please see my entry on Castle Kost), I highly recommend that if you visit one of the castles that you include both in your trip itinerary at the same time, (especially if you are travelling by car).
Castle Sychrov has a substantial car park which at the time of my visit cost Kč80 to enter and park.
Coffees and refreshments are served in two locations at the castle: within the castle grounds, there is the “Oranžerie” café, located in the castle’s orangery. This café provides a selection of homemade desserts and beverages, complemented by views of the castle and its park. In addition and outside of the castle grounds but located very conveniently opposite the castle itself is a restaurant known as the “Zámecká Restaurace Sychrov,” which translates to “Castle Restaurant Sychrov.” This establishment offers traditional Czech dishes and is a convenient dining option for visitors to the castle. I ate lunch at Zámecká Restaurace Sychrov and the meal was extremely good value with a very generous portion.
At the time of my visit, I did not go into the castle but walked around the castle and throughout the park.
HISTORY
Sychrov Castle, located in the Liberec Region of the Czech Republic, has a rich history that spans several centuries. The site’s origins trace back to the 15th century when a fort existed on the grounds. Between 1690 and 1693, the Lamotte of Frintropp family constructed a small Baroque château on this site.
In 1820, the property was acquired by the Rohan family, French aristocrats who had been exiled during the French Revolution and chose to settle in the Austrian Empire. Their 125-year stewardship marked a significant period in the castle’s history. Initially, under Karel Alain Gabriel Rohan, the château underwent reconstruction in the Empire style, completed in 1834. Subsequently, from 1847 to 1862, his successor, Camille Joseph Idesbald Philippe de Rohan, initiated a transformation of the château into the Romantic Neo-Gothic style that defines its current appearance. This extensive renovation was overseen by architect Bernard Grueber and involved contributions from Bohemian artisans, notably the woodcarver Petr Bušek.
The Rohan family also developed an expansive English-style park surrounding the château, reflecting their passion for botany. This park served as an inspiration for other notable Czech landscapes, including those at Průhonice, (please see my previous entry about Průhonice), and Konopiště.
Following World War II, Sychrov Castle was nationalized under the Beneš decrees. In the 1970s and 1980s, the château underwent significant restoration to preserve its architectural and historical integrity. Today, Sychrov Castle stands as a prime example of 19th-century Romantic Neo-Gothic architecture in the Czech Republic, open to the public for tours and cultural events.
Add new comment