Castle history and stud farm culture take center stage in Slatinany, alongside nature attractions at Chlum and in the surrounding area. To plan your stay, you can decide whether architecture and gardens, a guided tour, or a forest walk matters most. Specific differences can help: the castle complex combines several architectural styles, the park and garden differ in size, and the stud farm and observation tower offer different ways to visit.
Castle history and two green spaces
The Slatinany castle complex was declared a national cultural monument in 2001 and is part of the Slatiňansko–Slavicko Landscape Heritage Zone. Its development took it from a Gothic fortress to a Renaissance castle and later a Baroque one. Those interested in architectural history will find a clear progression through several periods here, rather than a single architectural style.
The adjoining English-style castle park in Slatinany covers 16 hectares; the castle garden is smaller, at 9 hectares. Its features include a collection of foreign trees and shrubs, flower beds, a romantic pond, two garden pavilions, and a chapel. The garden also includes a children’s playground and small log cabins used for the education of aristocratic descendants. The figures make the difference between the park and garden clear; the garden’s specific features offer visitors further ways to decide if it suits their interests.
Garden features may change. If you are visiting for a particular feature, check its current condition before your visit.
Stud farm, miniature castle, and exhibition
The Slatiňany Stud Farm offers guided tours to visitors. The tour, with commentary, also includes the historic saddle room of the Auersperg family. Since 1992, the stud farm has been part of the National Stud Farm Kladruby nad Labem. This brings both a specific historic room and the stud farm’s institutional affiliation into focus. If a guided tour is important to your plans, check the booking arrangements before your trip.
Kočičí hrádek is a miniature castle commissioned by Princess Vilemína z Auerspergu before 1896. It was intended to delight not only her children but also people from the wider surrounding area; it is particularly suitable for young children. This makes it a destination in its own right for visitors interested in the area’s history and the explicitly child-focused idea behind the miniature.
The exhibition at Švýcárna features a unique magnetic wall with interactive game elements and an authentically furnished study belonging to Professor František Bílek. It thus brings together playful features and a specific historic workspace. Visitors interested in both can consider this another cultural highlight.
Forest walk and protected landscape
The observation tower at Chlum can be reached via an easy forest walk of up to 60 minutes. This gives you a guide for planning your day; conditions may vary by season. The reconstructed viewpoint at Chlum has been freely accessible since mid-December 2013. Check access status before your visit.
Near Slatinany, the northern part of the Slavická obora game reserve is freely accessible. This area remains part of both a protected landscape area and the Slatiňansko–Slavicko Landscape Heritage Zone. Free access applies to the northern part of the game reserve; as access conditions may change, it is advisable to check before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Vojtěchov, Chrast, Licibořice, Trhová Kamenice, Svratouch, Honbice, Vápenný Podol, České Lhotice.
Go to the wider travel overview: Chrudim District.
