Duration: 5 hours, half day excursion

Note: Castle closed Dec.1 - Mar.28

Konopiste was originally a Gothic castle built in the 14th century and rebuilt in late Gothic style in the 16th century. In 1887 it was renovated by the successor to the Habsburg throne Francis Ferdinand d'Este, who in 1914 was assassinated in Sarajevo, sparking off the start of World War I. The owner was an avid hunter and as such the castle's collection contains thousands of hunting trophies adorning the walls. The master of the castle also collected objects with the motif of St. George, of which there are 3,700 items dating from between the 13th to the 19th century. Aside from this the castle presents original furniture, a library and a collection of historical maps. An English park and shooting range are also attached to the castle.