Explore Czech history on Castle Night 2023

Czech Castle Night, an annual event celebrating the country’s historical heritage and culture, is scheduled to take place this Saturday, Aug. 26. Organized by the National Monument Institute, this year's edition promises an array of activities and experiences across various castles and historical sites in the Czech Republic, with over 70 participating monuments.

At the heart of the event is the Hrádek u Nechanice Castle in Hradec Králové, where the legacy of the House of Harrach – an old and influential Austro-German noble family – will be commemorated through a diverse program. Visitors can enjoy free guided tours of the castle's representative rooms and the private apartments of the count family, as well as inn rooms. The event's centerpiece will be accompanied by a cultural program designed to provide historical context and understanding.

The Nové Hrady Castle in the deep south of Czechia, bordering Austria, invites visitors to step back in time to the 14th century during evening guided tours. These tours offer an opportunity to delve into the early history of the Harrach family and their connection to the powerful Rožmberk family, who held sway over the region for several centuries.

Various castles such as Litice Castle (in Pardubice) and Trosky Castle (Liberec) will also take part in Castle Night. Visitors to Trosky Castle can enjoy the melodies of the country band Nabitý baterky, while immersing themselves in local castle legends.

For those with an interest in history, the Ústí nad Labem region presents an opportunity to visit the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the city of Most. 

Visitors to Hluboká Castle near České Budějovice can explore the history of ice cream and sorbet production, learning about their preparation and presentation according to historical recipes.

Mnichovo Hradiště Castle in Central Bogemia hosts the Valdštejn Costume Festival, featuring a period fashion show, night tours with scenes from the Valdštejn family's life, and a ceremonial castle lighting.

Across the various participating castles, engaging activities abound. From marathon tours to musical light shows and theatrical performances, attendees will be transported into history by knowledgeable guides and theater actors.