Czech and Prague Sightseeing

Zvikov Castle

Zvikov Castle is a castle located some 15 km north of Pisek, in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It is one of the most important early-Gothic castles in Czech lands. Zvikov is placed on hard to access steep promontory above confluence of rivers Vltava and Otava. The area was inhabited during prehistoric times. Celts had built a fort here at times around beginning the common era. The current castle was founded during reign of Ottokar I of Bohemia (d. 1230) but the exact date is not known. The first written mention comes from year 1234. The castle was owned by Kings of Bohemia.
The oldest part of Zvikov is massive rectangular tower named Hlizova. Palace buildings has been built on its sides. During reign of Ottokar II of Bohemia (1253– d. 1278) palace named Kralovsky (King’s Own) has been built and this ground plan has been preserved until today. The new palace was built in lavish style and its parts were connected by monumental arcade. Chapel of St. Wenceslaus belongs to masterpieces of early-gothic Czech architecture. The fortification was extended with Hlaska, large 32 meters high tower (bergfrit) on the south side. The castle has two gates (majority of contemporary castles used only one).
After dynasty of Premyslid died out in 1306 Zvikov became property of House of Rosenberg (Rozmberkove). After 1337 the settlement under the castle has been fortified, as a part of thorough repairs.
During Hussite Wars, in 1429, the castle was beseiged by Hussites for four months; it was heavily damaged but not taken. To protect against heavy artilery the walls had been futher strengtened.
During 1640s the palace was modified in Rennaissance style. At the start of Thirty Years’ War Zvikov was owned by a rebelious protestant nobleman and the defendants agreed to capitulate to Emperor’s forces only in October 1622. Subsequently it was looted and devastated.
During Thirty Years’ War Zvikov served as a fortress. At the end of 17th century it ceased to have military value and was used as grannary. The decline continued; in 1751 fire damaged large part of the palace; in 1780 the chapel was unblessed; in 1829 facade of the palace tumbled down.
In 1840 Schwarzenbergs, owners of the ruin, started with repairs. Between 1880 - 1902 the castle has been reconstructed. Since 1950 Zvikov is state owned. Orlik Dam (named after Orlik Castle), built during 1954 - 1962, deluged the castle downtown and made Zvikov easily accessible. Major restoration during 1970 - 1980 concentrated on the the palace.
Today, Zvikov (opened from Spring to Autumn) is hiking attraction and serves as a place of art exhibitions and stage plays.