Zamek Blatna

Zamek Blatna in south Bohemia is well off the beaten tourist path though it’s not outwardly impressive. Its quirky eccentricities and odd history make it a hidden gem. The first thing that strikes visitors is its odd patchwork appearance, which can be explained by its erratic history. Originally a Romanesque mansion, Zamek Blatna was renovated and reconstructed many times by various owners. During 15th century, it was morphed into a Gothic fortification, which was when its distinctive dominating entrance tower was built. By the time the 30-year war broke out in 1618, it came under the Polish owners who added new features to the castle. The castle took its present form under a Czech noble family who torn down some of the now-obsolete fortifications and created a charming, English-style chateau park next to the castle. Make sure you check out the hunting room, a grotesquely fascinating room filled with mounted deer antlers, chairs and couches made of deer antlers, and even a large hanging deer antler chandelier―the legacy of owners that were particularly fond of hunting.