Kunětická hora Castle

Kunětická hora is a characteristic point of the East Bohemian Plains of Polabi. Thanks to its monumental shape, looking wonderful against the surrounding landscape, it had drawn attention already in the prehistory, when it was populated. According to the archaeological studies, the castle complex was on the Kunětická hora already in the mid-14th century.  Kunětická hora became more widely known during the Hussite Wars. Since 1421, it was an important strategic point for the supporters of the Utraquists (proponents of receiving Communion under both species) and after 1464, the owner of the castle was King George of Poděbrady. In 1491, the castle was taken over by the Pernštejn family, who, in the years of 1491-1548 carried out its most thorough reconstruction and thanks to later gothic and renaissance alterations, the castle was eventually transformed into a palace residence. Kunětická hora has a special place in the history of castle architecture thanks to its fortifications with huge earthworks and round towers. The main sightseeing tour covers the entire residential part of the castle (the palace), from the underground up to the view point on the tower; you can complete the tour on your own, in your own pace. You can see there armoury, an exhibition presenting torture equipment, hunger dungeon, the Knight’s Hall, a floor devoted to the Pernštejn family, castle models and other attractions. There is also another, guided tour. It covers St Catherine chapel, built at the turn of 15th and 16th centuries and the adjacent little St Barbara chapel dated back to the 18th century. The terrace located by the chapel offers a wonderful view.