Ledeč Castle

Ledeč Castle

Ledeč Castle towers above the Sázava River on a limestone promontory. Over the centuries, the castle had many different owners who modified the original Gothic building in the Renaissance and Baroque style.
The castle is an impressive dominant feature of the town of Ledeč. The first record of Ledeč comes from 1257; the castle was rebuilt by its owners (Trčkové of Lípa, Lobkowicz of Enkefurt, Thuns). Ignác of Koch sold the dilapidated and indebted estate to Empress Maria Theresa in 1753, who donated it to the Institution of Impoverished Damsels. In 1879, the town was engulfed in a fire that lasted three days and the castle was never restored again.
 
Today, the castle houses the Municipal Museum with expositions on the history of the town and craftsmen’s products in the Ledeč area, especially potters, glassmakers, weavers and dyers. There is also a collection of coins and banknotes, arms, glass, porcelain, clocks and paintings.
 
In addition, there is now an exposition dedicated to housing in the 1950s, a so-called retro-apartment. You can see period furniture, everyday objects and other furnishings there. The post-war apartment has been installed above the museum, on the first castle floor. The furniture comes from Ledeč homes.
 
In the former terrace garden, there is an Early Baroque summerhouse from the 17th century. Fans of expansive views can climb up 111 steps of the 32-metre-tall tower to enjoy a beautiful view of the scenic valley of the Sázava River.
 
In four reconstructed rooms, you will see a permanent exposition of historical clocks – priceless gems. The oldest clocks come from the Renaissance period; many of them were manufactured before 1580. Other clocks are more modern. There is also one, almost contemporary product there – a regulator. It is only five years old but it is indiscernible from the historical pieces. Moreover, it is absolutely accurate and it only requires winding up once a year.
 
Children will enjoy the largest exhibition of teddy bears in the Czech Republic. You can also check out the knight armoury in the basement.