Zamek Detenice

Zamek Detenice is truly a hidden gem, a chateau only local Czech people seem to know about and for good reason. Part of a larger cluster of attractions that includes an extremely popular medieval inn, pub, and brewery, and even a medieval-style horse arena, Detenice is worth visiting for those attractions alone. Founded first as a wooden fort back in the 11th century, Zamek Detenice today looks very different after repeated extensive renovations that over the centuries has turned it into a refined country estate chateau.

Nationalised in 1948 and used as a vocational school (with some unfortunate consequences, such as the chapel being turned into a bathroom) it was recently bought back by the current owners from the government. The interiors are surprisingly grand with a magnificent lofty dining room, a blue room complete with Chinese porcelains, medieval armours and stuffed tigers. Being part of this complex of medieval-themed attractions, the castle features off-beat, unusual tours. Come by on ‘Spooky Saturdays’, where the tour guide is a witch, spinning fables of days past, or swing by on Sunday instead, when the tour focuses on the fairytale story of a mischievous princess, featuring surprisingly good live acting. Just make sure to drag along a Czech speaking friend, for the fun tours are all in Czech.