The history of Panenské Břežany is reflected in several cultural and historical highlights: the Upper and Lower Castles, St. Anne’s Chapel, and the Memorial to National Oppression and Resistance. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the architecture, castle history, and remembrance of the occupation period separately, as not all of these sites are open to the public.
Exhibition and history of the Upper Castle
The Upper Castle was built around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries as an economic and administrative centre. The first floor houses the modern multimedia exhibition “Zločin a trest” (“Crime and Punishment”). Its exhibits include a replica of the Pankrác guillotine. The exhibition offers a tangible way into a serious subject, while the castle’s architectural history provides a different historical perspective.
During the Nazi occupation, the Upper Castle became the residence of State Secretary Karl Hermann Frank. The Lower Castle first housed Reich Protector Konstantin von Neurath and later Deputy Reich Protector Reinhard Heydrich and his family. The histories of the two castles are therefore closely connected with different roles and people during the occupation period.
St. Anne’s Chapel and architecture
St. Anne’s Chapel was built between 1705 and 1707 to designs by Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel. It is one of his earliest works and is considered a prototype of his radial style. The construction dates, architect, and place in architectural history make the chapel a distinct highlight alongside the castle’s history. Architecture enthusiasts will find a clear connection here to Santini-Aichel’s early work.
The Lower Castle is also significant in architectural history: in regional comparisons within Central Bohemia and the area around Prague, it is of great architectural, artistic, and urban-planning importance and is considered a unique building there. This assessment refers to the Lower Castle; it should not be conflated with the history of the Upper Castle or the chapel.
Memorial site and current exhibition
The Memorial to National Oppression and Resistance in Panenské Břežany commemorates the Nazi occupation of the Czech lands. Its current interactive exhibition is also titled “Zločin a trest” (“Crime and Punishment”). If you are planning to visit the exhibition, please check the latest information before your trip.
The castle park is part of the Memorial to National Oppression and Resistance in Panenské Břežany. The Lower Castle and the adjoining park are not open to the public, so do not plan to visit these areas as publicly accessible destinations.
Practical information for visitors
Free parking is available in front of the castle. Buses must park in the municipal car park on Akátová Street. If you are travelling by bus, take this requirement into account when planning your visit.
The castle, including the PNÚO exhibition, and St. Anne’s Chapel are accessible to visitors with disabilities. Accessible toilets and a spacious modern lift are also available. Check the current status of the accessible facilities before your visit. The PNUO library can be used on site if the items you want have been reserved in advance.
St. Anne’s Chapel is available year-round as a wedding venue. If you are considering it for this purpose, clarify the booking and access conditions in advance. The PNUO’s research and educational programme is intended for grammar-school students, secondary-school students, and older primary-school pupils.
Discover more destinations: Senohraby, Ondrejov, Škvorec, Jenštejn, Pacov, Pětihosty, Svetice, Nová Ves.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Praha-Východ.
