A 12th-century Romanesque fortress

Sharing the past, creating the future.

In the 12th century, a fortress-style castle was constructed on the site of what is now Roudnice Castle. It served as a summer residence for the bishops of Prague and was linked to significant historical events, such as Archbishop Zbyněk Zajíc of Hazmburk issuing an anathema on Jan Hus and his followers in 1410. Over the centuries, the castle underwent architectural changes, transitioning from its original Romanesque design to a Gothic style in the 14th and 15th centuries. The castle transitioned from Church ownership to private hands, eventually coming under the ownership of Wilhelm Rosenberg in 1575. Under his stewardship, the castle was transformed into a Renaissance-style residence. In 1603, the Lobkowicz family acquired the property through a marriage alliance. In 1652, Wenzel Eusebius of Lobkowicz commissioned various Italian architects, including Francesco Caratti and Carlo Orsolini, to transform the castle into a grand Baroque residence. Antonio della Porta played a significant role in the final design. The result was a castle with over 200 rooms, a magnificent double staircase, a clock tower, a beautifully adorned chapel, and a formal hall that was later converted into a theater. The Baroque complex also featured a monastery with the Church of St. Wenceslas, a farm, administrative buildings, and a riding hall. Extensive landscaping was also carried out in the castle's courtyard and immediate surroundings.

During World War II, the Lobkowicz family left their Czech estate due to Nazi occupation. Maximilian Lobkowicz served as an ambassador in London and for the Czechoslovak government-in-exile. Nazi forces seized and damaged the castle, using it for Nazi youth education. After the war, Maximilian Lobkowicz returned, repaired the castle, and worked to recover the family collections. In 1948, the Communist Party came to power, leading to his departure and property confiscation. Collections were scattered across the country. The castle served various purposes, including a military school and art gallery. The Lobkowicz family regained their property after restitution laws were enacted. The military music school, which rented the castle, closed in 2008, leading to repairs and restoration of the building.