Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.
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Thematic route

Karlštejn Castle Chapels (selected tour)

From the Marian church and a view into St Catherine’s Chapel to the painted stairs and imperial treasury.

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  • Duration100 min
  • Starts atChurch of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
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About the route

From the Marian church, the route leads to St Catherine’s Chapel, viewed from the threshold. It then continues to the Great Tower and its painted staircase.

The finale is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, once the treasury of imperial jewels. The full programme also includes galleries, the former sacristy, the bridge between the towers, the lapidarium and Josef Mocker’s study. These entries present selected interiors in visiting order; the upper viewing floors belong to another programme.

For children

First you visit the Marian church and look into St Catherine’s Chapel from the threshold. The guide then leads you towards the Great Tower. There are also galleries, a bridge and other rooms along the way.

The painted stairs lead to the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Master Theodoric’s paintings. The tour explores the chapels and their history. It does not include the upper viewing floors.

Stops along the way (4)
  1. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.1Point of interestChurch of the Assumption of the Virgin MaryA former residential chamber converted for the chapter, with paintings of the Apocalypse.Quiz
  2. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.2Point of interestSt Catherine’s ChapelA small treasury chapel whose dedication and function changed over the castle’s history.Quiz
  3. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.3Point of interestPainted staircase of the Great TowerThe approach to the chapel, with painted cycles devoted to Saints Wenceslas and Ludmila.Quiz
  4. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.4Point of interestChapel of the Holy CrossThe treasury of imperial regalia, with panel paintings from Master Theodoric’s workshop.Quiz
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Author or origin
Národní památkový ústav - Státní hrad Karlštejn