CASTLE KARELSTEJN

Charles IV, the Czech King and later Roman Emperor, gave his name to this castle at the time of its founding in 1348.

It has a unique place in history, as here were deposited the first imperial and later also the Czech coronation jewels. The Chapel of the Holy Rood is concealed behind walls inlaid with gold and semi-precious stones, while the gold cupola of its vault housed the largest collection of medieval paintings, more than one hundred-twenty by Master Theodoricus.