Zvíkov Castle

This imposing medieval fortress, which historian August Sedláček called the king of Czech castles, was probably founded by King Přemysl Otakar I. The ruling Přemyslid dynasty resided here until their line died out in 1306, after which the castle passed into the hands of the Rožmberks as a pledge. Charles the Fourth later bought it back from them, but during the Hussite Wars the estate returned to the Rožmberks once again. In later centuries, when the site was repeatedly besieged and rebuilt, its owners included the Švamberks, the Eggenbergs, and finally the Schwarzenbergs. Since 1963, the castle has been protected as a cultural monument, and in 1978 it was added to the list of national cultural monuments. Today, the entire complex is administered by the National Heritage Institute, and the public can visit it during regular opening hours.