The Kunětická hora Castle

Kunětická hora is the characteristic dominant feature of the East Bohemian Elbe area. It was settled as early as in prehistoric times due to its silhouette and monumental location in the countryside. According to archaeological research, the castle complex stood on Kunětická hora as early as in the second half of the 14^th century. Kunětická hora became more widely known after the Hussite Wars. From 1421, it was one of the important strategic points for the adherents to Communion under both kinds and King George of Poděbrady became the castle’s owner after 1464. In 1491, the castle was transferred to the House of Pernstein, which undertook the greatest reconstruction of the seat between 1491 and 1548 and whose late gothic and renaissance modifications saw the castle become a château residence. Kunětická hora occupies an exceptional place in the history of castle architecture due to the construction of the fortifications which made use of massive earth ramparts and circular rondels. The main tour route includes the entire castle palace from the cellars through to the view from the tower. Visitors can take this tour without a guide and at their own tempo. The sights include the armoury, an exhibition on torture, the dungeon, the Knight’s Hall, the floor dedicated to the House of Pernstein, models of the castle and much more. The second tour route involves a guided tour. This includes the Chapel of Saint Catherine built at the turn of the 15^th and 16^th centuries and the adjacent baroque Chapel of Saint Barbara dating from the beginning of the 18^th century. There is a wonderful view from the terrace next to chapel.