Ploskovice combines the history of a castle with grottos, an eight-hectare park and a nature trail through its grounds. When planning your visit, it is worth treating a tour of the castle, a possible guided tour of the grottos and a visit to the park as distinct experiences.

The Castle’s History and Interiors

Ploskovice Castle was built in the first quarter of the 18th century as a summer residence for Grand Duchess Anna Marie Františka of Tuscany. In the mid-19th century, it became the private residence of Emperor Ferdinand V of Habsburg. These two milestones set the timeline for the castle’s history: its construction as a summer residence was followed by its use as a private residence.

Josef Navrátil played a major role in the castle’s decoration. He is considered one of the most important Czech painters and decorators of the 19th century. Those interested in the design will therefore find an art-historical perspective on Ploskovice alongside its architectural and residential history.

Grottos Beneath the Castle

The artificial caves beneath Ploskovice Castle date from the early 18th century and are shown on guided tours of the grottos. The grotto complex comprises six areas. Special features include a fountain dating from around 1725 and a fountain featuring Hercules. Restoration is also part of the site’s history: it included the restoration of Baroque fountains and changes to their water supply. Tours and times may change; check the details before your visit.

Castle Park, Nature Trail and Nature

Ploskovice Castle Park covers eight hectares. Its features include fountains, a pond, and rare trees and plants. An observation pavilion stands in the northern part of the park. The park thus combines landscaped features with a diverse range of plant life.

Since 2011, the “Za poklady ploskovického parku” nature trail has run through the castle park. Ten themed panels cover the ecosystems of the pond, meadow, forest and park, as well as the arboretum, fauna, flora, environmental protection, and the history of the town and castle. Signs identifying rare woody plants form a small arboretum in Ploskovice. The topics range from individual trees and habitats to the history of the town and castle.

Páchník hnědý, a protected beetle classed as an endangered species, lives in old hollow trees in the castle park. For nature enthusiasts, this specific example complements the woody plants and ecosystems that also feature on the nature trail.

Walking to the Castle and Planning Your Visit

The red-marked KČT hiking trail “Žižkovou stezkou Zemí hradů” serves as a walking route to Ploskovice Castle. No distance or walking time is provided; when planning your route, you can use the marked trail name and the castle as your destination.

The castle park can be visited during opening hours. As opening hours vary by season, check them before travelling. The grottos are shown as part of a guided tour, so check the current tour options and times in advance. This will help you plan your time in the park and a possible tour according to the conditions for your visit.

Discover more destinations: Chotiněves, Dlažkovice, Drahobuz, Kresin, Mlékojedy, Libkovice Pod Řípem, Černouček, Sedlec.

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Litoměřice.