Zhleba Castle - Neo-Gothic fortress
Description:
Zhleba Castle was first mentioned in the chronicles of 1289, although it is believed that it was founded even earlier. The first owner of the fortress is officially considered Count Smil of Lichtenburk, later inherited by his eldest son Jindřich.
In 1356, the castle was bought from its owners by the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and King Charles IV of the Czech Republic. The royal family remained the owners of the castle for several decades, but none of the crowned persons lived there. The holders of the fortress were officially appointed representatives of noble families and knights close to the king.
In 1427 the castle was besieged by the Hussites. They managed to capture the Grids and burn most of the buildings. Soon the royal troops managed to retake the castle and its new owner was the nobleman Jiri from Duba, who was engaged in the restoration of the fortress from the ruins.
In the second half of the 16th century the Gothic fortress was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. At that time, the castle already had four residential wings and an arched courtyard, which has survived to this day. And in 1734 Zhleby acquired the features of the fashionable baroque at that time.
In 1845, the last global reconstruction of the castle in the neo-Gothic style took place. New fortress walls and turrets appeared, betraying the appearance of a medieval fortress. The interiors were enriched with new collections of weapons, paintings and furniture. Deer leather wallpaper was ordered for walls and stained glass windows. The eastern wing of the castle since the end of the 19th century was open for visits and excursions.
The exposition of the castle is one of the richest in the Czech Republic. Here you can see household items, crystal and porcelain products, antique furniture. According to legends, in the castle of Zhleba there is a real ghost and basements with secret passages.
Surrounded by a wonderful park, where there is a small menagerie. In it you can find an unusually rare species of white deer.
From May to September the castle is open on all days except Mondays and public holidays. In April and October Zhleby work on a preliminary reservation on weekends and holidays. From November to March, the castle is closed for winter holidays.