Czech paradise: the city of Turnov, the castles of Sikhrov and Gruba Rocka
Description:
The reserve "Czech Paradise" is located in the north-east of the Czech Republic and it is not for nothing that it has such a speaking name. Its quaint landscape, consisting of deep gorges, rocky labyrinths, dense forests and clean bodies of water, is protected by the Czech state and the international organization UNESCO. The region owes its unique nature to the fact that hundreds of millions of years ago it was essentially a seabed. Water, and then the sun and wind carved here grottoes and rocks in the form of tall and narrow pillars. The region is famous for its rich historical heritage, many castles and medieval towns have been preserved here.
Our tour will begin with a visit to the castle of Sikhrov. It is unique in many ways. It is one of the youngest castles in the Czech Republic (founded in the 18th century). In 1820, it was bought by the French Duke Carl Rogan, who fled the French Revolution, and for more than 100 years it was the official residence of the family. The fabulous facade in the neo-Gothic style and magnificently preserved interiors, richly decorated with carvings, make Sikhrov Castle one of the most impressive museums in the Czech Republic.
The next point of the route will be located just 20 kilometers from the castle city of Turnov - the birthplace of the Czech grenade and the capital of the Czech paradise. The history of the city begins with the XIII century, during the sightseeing tour we will see the Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary - the most impressive neo-Gothic temple in Europe, with three naves and one unfinished tower; the temple of St. Mary. Nicholas, whose foundation date coincides with the emergence of the city itself; we will see the city hall. Turnov is famous for its professional jewelry school. Since 1884, her students have won international exhibitions throughout Europe. In the Museum of Czech Paradise we will see some of their works.
At the end of the day we will go to the castle of Groba Rock. The fortress on top of sandstone cliffs was first mentioned in the 14th century. The castle repeatedly changed owners, the most famous of which was Field Marshal Albrecht Waldstein, who annexed these lands to his Duchy of Frydlant. As a result of repeated fires, the castle was often rebuilt, the current neo-Gothic appearance was a consequence of the reconstruction of the 19th century. Nowadays, the castle complex consists of a parish church with a priest’s dwelling, a boarding house and the castle building itself, which serves as a hotel. From the observation deck of the castle there is a magnificent view of the valley of the Czech paradise.