Castle, Park and Monuments

Horní Beřkovice Castle makes a clear historical impression: Count Adam František Hartig had it built between 1738 and 1756. The castle complex includes an extensive park, landscaped in the English style at the beginning of the 19th century. A psychiatric institution was established in the castle in 1890; this date marks a further stage in the building’s history of use.

Individual architectural features and monuments are also among the town’s distinctive details. Above today’s fire station, the bricked-up former main gate is still visible in the castle’s perimeter wall. There is a fountain in the courtyard of honour, and a statue of Hygieia stands in front of the northwest façade. The cenotaph of Antoinetta Hartigová is in the northern part of the castle park. František Xaver Lederer created the monument between 1790 and 1792.

Church and Cultural Lives

The Horní Beřkovice Multifunctional Centre is housed in the renovated Art Nouveau Church of St Wenceslas, on the grounds of the Psychiatric Clinic. The church was consecrated in 1942. During the occupation, an altar from Prague’s Straka Academy was brought here to protect it from destruction. If you are considering visiting the centre, check the current programme and access arrangements in advance.

The life of singer Klementina Kalašová is also linked to Horní Beřkovice: she was born on 9 September 1850 in the former Baroque castle. Her artistic career began with piano studies under Bedřich Smetana in Prague. In 1869, she achieved her first major success at the Imperial Opera in Saint Petersburg. The sequence of birthplace, studies and early stage success offers a distinctive cultural perspective on the town’s history.

Memorials and Tradition

The White Cross at the edge of town in the direction of Mělník is an iron cross erected in 1855. It commemorates the rescue of Emperor Franz Joseph I after his carriage horses bolted. Another iron cross stands by the chapel at the lower gate of the Psychiatric Clinic. It was erected in 1853 in gratitude for the recovery of Luis, the son of Count František Desfours-Walde Rode.

The pilgrimage of Horní Beřkovice is also part of local tradition. It was traditionally held in early July to commemorate the burning of Jan Hus. The description of this tradition does not provide a current event date. Therefore, you should not assume that it takes place annually when planning your schedule.

Cycle Routes and Regional Context

A municipal visitor information notice dated 14 March 2010 describes local, unofficial cycle routes through easy terrain said to be suitable for families with children. Check local route conditions before setting out. This older description provides a specific starting point for planning, but does not replace checking current conditions.

In the wider Podřipsko region, Mount Říp and the Rotunda of St George at its summit are considered the most visited site in the entire region. This regional context complements the town’s cultural and historical themes without equating them with a single excursion destination.

Practical Information

There is a car park with 60 spaces on the grounds of the Psychiatric Clinic. As parking arrangements may change, check the current situation before you arrive. This information refers to the clinic grounds.

Discover More Destinations

Snědovice, Chodouny, Lovečkovice, Pohorice, Hlinná, Radovesice, Náčkovice, Velemín

For the main travel overview: Litoměřice District.