Švihov Castle

Švihov Castle, first mentioned in 1375, was grandly rebuilt at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries by Půta Švihovský of Rýzmberk, with the participation of the famous builder Benedikt Rejt. Its unique fortification system with double water moats and surrounding ponds made it an impregnable fortress. Visitors can explore the interiors depicting life at the castle in the 16th century, including the castle chapel with Gothic sculptures, the ballroom with a Renaissance coffered ceiling, and the armory. The castle is also famous as the film setting for the fairy tale Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella. After the Thirty Years' War, the castle was used as a granary and underwent extensive repairs after 1950, when it was opened to the public.