Two gates facing one another and a deep moat shape the layout of Nové Hrady Castle. It was founded by the Vítkovci in the second half of the 13th century as a passage castle. Visitors who choose to stay here will encounter a castle history that is easy to explore; other facets range from Buquoy heritage and church architecture to a landscaped park.
Castle and Buquoy Heritage
After its reconstruction, the Buquoy interiors can be visited inside the castle. Numerous family portraits and keepsakes keep the family’s military glory alive. The residence of the estate official offers a different glimpse into the past: it shows bourgeois domestic life around the turn of the 20th century. Thus, family history and a later look at living conditions appear side by side as distinct themes within the castle.
The Buquoy Tomb complements this approach to family history with clearly structured architecture: the crypt is on the ground floor, with a chapel above it. The tomb still contains eight coffins holding the remains of members of the Buquoy family, including three married couples, as well as relatives from the Cappy family. The Buquoy Tomb is open to the public during designated visiting hours; check these times before planning your visit.
Church of St Peter and Paul: Art and Access
The Church of St Peter and Paul brings together two distinct periods: an Early Baroque interior dating from the third quarter of the 17th century and a Late Gothic net vault in the presbytery. The vault is considered the finest in South Bohemia. The interior and the vault offer a tangible glimpse of different periods in church art. The church is open to the public during regular services. Guided tours of the church and monastery, however, are available only during the summer tourist season or by prior arrangement. If a guided tour is important to your visit, plan for it during this period or enquire in advance.
Terčino údolí: Parkland with a Past
Terčino údolí offers a different focus: this national natural monument covers 139.29 hectares, and its parkland was laid out from 1765 onwards. Compared with the castle’s founding in the second half of the 13th century, this represents a significantly later period. It is also not a castle complex, but a historically landscaped park with its own protected status. The range of travel themes thus extends from architectural and family history to a landscape shaped by history.
Novohradská kovárna: Craft and Events
Novohradská kovárna also adds a craft theme to the cultural and historical options. It is considered a valuable example of a blacksmith’s workshop, founded by Ferdinand Grössinger in 1719. Since 2003, the Rožmberk Society has organised various events, courses, and activities there. Traditional events include Easter gatherings, Bramborování na kovárně at the end of October, and Čertovské kování in early December. The dates fall in different seasons; if one of these events is important to your trip, check the exact dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Rudolfov, Úsilné, Modrá Hůrka, Střížov, Ševětín, Plav, Olesnik, Borownitz.
For the broader travel overview: Okres České Budějovice.
