Czech Sternberk 1

All photos from this series here: [link]

The castle of Czech Sternberk, once called by a Romantic poet "the Pearl of Posazavi" has dominated the landscape of the central course of the Sazava River from a steep, rocky riverbank for more than 760 years.

It was founded by Zdeslav of Divisov in 1241 and called, in accordance with the contemporary trend, Sternberk. The new title of the Sternberg family and their coat-of-arms containing an eight-pointed star date back to the same period.

It is remarkable and extraordinary indeed that the castle is still owned by the family whose member, Zdeslav of Sternberg, had the castle built; the castle was returned to its present owner, Zdenek of Sternberg, during the restitution process in 1992.

The medieval essence of the early Gothic castle is concealed in the core of the contemporary structure, which acquired its existing shape through several remodelings. The architectural development spans from late Gothic reconstructions enhancing the castle's fortification system to the ostentatious Baroque interior remodeling aimed at comfortable living.

The castle exhibition includes historic rooms in Baroque style with rich stucco and painted decorations, valuable furniture and family collections (Knight's Hall, Dining Room, Chapel of St. Sebastian, Hunting Room, Bedroom, Kaspar Sternberk`s room containing family portraits). Worth seeing is a collection of copper engravings from the period of the Thirty Years' War and a collection of 17th-century miniatures (so-called Dutch Silver).