Konopiště Castle
Zámek Konopiště
Fee required
Parking available
Konopiště Castle, near Benešov, Czechia, was the final residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este. It offers four main guided tours through historic interiors, unique collections, a St. George Museum, and a shooting range. Visitors can also explore its extensive 340-hectare park and greenhouses. Audioguides are available for some tours, and certain circuits require prior reservation, with dining and parking facilities on-site.

📜 Historic castle, originally a Gothic fortress from the 13th century.
🔍 Last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, whose assassination sparked WWI.

Why Go

🏰 Explore lavish interiors and Franz Ferdinand's private rooms
🛡️ Discover unique collections of arms, hunting trophies, and the St. George Museum
🎯 Experience the historic shooting range with moving targets
🌳 Wander through a vast 340-hectare park with nature trails and greenhouses

Why Avoid

⚠️ Circuits 2, 3, and 4 involve narrow or many staircases, not suitable for wheelchair users
🐾 Animals prohibited in exhibitions, courtyards, terraces, and Rose Garden

Tips

📞 Prior reservation required for private apartment and hunting route tours
🎧 Audioguides in English, Russian, and German available for circuits 1-3
🚲 Bring a personal lock for bikes stored in the staff courtyard

Cost

💰 Adults for main circuits 280 Kč, private apartment 420 Kč, discounts available.

Hours

🕒 Closed Jan-Mar, Dec. Hours vary by season: Apr-May, Sep 10:00-16:00; Jun 10:00-17:00; Jul-Aug 9:30-17:00; Oct 10:00-15:00; Nov Sa-Su, holidays 10:00-15:00.

🅿️ Parking

Two paid parking lots available (approx. 600m and 300m from castle).
Additional parking in Benešov town.

♿ Accessibility

Wheelchair access for circuit 1 (Southern Wing Salons) using a stair climber.
Accessible restrooms available.
Rose Garden, shooting range, and St. George Museum are also accessible.

🍽️ Food

Refreshment options include Castle Restaurant, D'Este Cafe, Bistro, Chocolaterie, and Rose Cafe.

📸 Photography

Photography and filming generally prohibited in interiors, except in specified rooms without flash, tripods, or selfie sticks.