Eastern European Castles

Karlstein - Czechoslovakia

An imperial castle built in the 1300s under the personal supervision of Charles IV, in the royal forests along the lower reaches of the Berounka. The castle is mainly comprised of the imperial palace, the tower of the Virgin and a formidable keep used to keep the King's priceless collection of relics, the Crown Jewels and other imperial treasures.

The castle fell into disrepair, but was restored in a more Renaissance style early in the 20th century. The castle's layout was based on King Charles' religious beliefs, and also depicts the saga to find the Holy Grail.