Czech Republic is famous for its impressive castles, which impress both with their architecture and their turbulent history. Among them, the most noteworthy is Bouzov Castle - a true gem of medieval defensive architecture. This romantic fortress, built on a hill, impresses with its fairy-tale silhouette with numerous turrets and blanks. The castle was built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, but owes its current neo-Gothic appearance to a major reconstruction at the turn of the 20th century, commissioned by Archduke Eugene Habsburg.

What sets Bouzov Castle apart from other Czech fortresses? First of all, its completeness and excellent state of preservation. Visitors can admire two fully functional drawbridges, a watchtower, an armory and a neo-Gothic chapel with a Gothic altar and tombstones of the Teutonic Order from the 14th-16th centuries. The castle was the seat of the Teutonic Order from the late 15th century, which gives it additional historical significance. Movie lovers will certainly recognize its walls, as it was a popular filming location for Czech fairy tales and movies.

Another fascinating site is Kokořín Castle, located in a picturesque valley about 10 km northeast of the town of Mělník. This Gothic fortress, built in the first half of the 14th century by Hynek Berek of Dubé, changed hands over the centuries, eventually falling into ruin in the 19th century. Fortunately, it was restored by the Špaček family in the early 20th century, so today we can admire its austere stone walls surrounded by lush forests.

Kokořín Castle hides many secrets and legends. One of them tells of a hidden treasure that is said to be still waiting to be discovered in the castle's vaults. Another legend tells of the 'White Lady' - the ghost of a former resident who appears on moonless nights. The castle is also famous for the unusual rock formations in the area, called 'pokličky' (lids), which add a mysterious charm to the place.

Jánský Vrch Castle in Javorník is another gem of Czech castle architecture. Originally a Gothic castle dating back to the 13th century, it was transformed over time into an elegant residence for the Bishops of Breslau. Its name comes from the chapel of St. John of Nepomuk, which is located within the complex. The castle impresses not only with its architecture, but also with its rich interiors with a unique collection of pipes and smoking accessories - one of the largest in Central Europe. The castle's observation deck offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the Vidnavka River valley.

Continuing our tour of Czech castles, it's impossible to miss Svojanov Castle, one of the oldest royal castles in the Czech Republic. Founded in the 13th century by King Přemysl Ottokar II, it was an important strategic point on the trade route between Bohemia and Moravia. Interestingly, the castle combines elements of Gothic and Romanticism, the result of numerous reconstructions over the centuries. Of particular interest is the so-called 'Lady House,' an example of Gothic residential architecture with preserved frescoes from the 14th century.

Svojanov is a place shrouded in many legends. The most famous tells of the 'Black Lady' - the ghost of Catherine Zápolya, the wife of Czech King George of Poděbrady, who is said to haunt the castle's chambers. Another legend tells of a hidden tunnel said to lead from the castle to a nearby monastery. The castle is surrounded by a picturesque garden with rare plant species, and the ramparts offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Traversing the Czech countryside, we arrive at the Castle in Nové Město nad Metují, which is a true gem of Renaissance architecture. The castle was founded in 1501 by Jan Černčický of Kácov, but owes its current appearance to a reconstruction in the 17th century, when it became the property of the Lesli family. Particularly noteworthy are the arcaded courtyard and the castle gardens designed by the famous Slovenian architect Dušan Jurkovič in the early 20th century.

The castle is famous for its rich collection of tapestries, furniture and paintings, as well as its unique library containing rare old prints. An interesting fact is that one of the castle's chambers contains a mechanical theater, depicting daily life in the town in the early 20th century. The castle terrace offers a picturesque view of the Metuji River valley and the surrounding hills.

Also not to be missed is Hradec nad Moravicí Castle, which combines elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Neo-Gothic. This imposing structure, located on a hill above the Moravice River, has a history of more than 800 years. It was originally a Slavic stronghold, which over time was transformed into a Gothic castle. The castle experienced its greatest heyday under the Lichnovsky family in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it became an important cultural center, frequented by artists such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Ferenc Liszt.

The castle consists of two parts: the White Castle (the main residence) and the Red Castle (the former outbuildings). The White Castle impresses with its elegant interiors with a rich collection of furniture, paintings and porcelain, while the Red Castle, built in a neo-Gothic style, provides a picturesque backdrop to the main building. The castle is surrounded by an extensive landscaped park with rare tree species and scenic walking paths.

On the Polish-Czech border, towering over the picturesque skyline of the city, is Ceszyn Castle - one of the oldest monuments in Cieszyn Silesia. The history of the site dates back to the 11th century, when the Romanesque rotunda of St. Nicholas was erected on Castle Mountain, which remains today the most valuable monument of the complex and one of the oldest surviving religious buildings in Poland. The fortress itself was built in the 14th century as the seat of the princes of Cieszyn from the Piast dynasty.

Castle Cieszyn stands out from other medieval buildings due to its location and historical significance. Situated on a hill with a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, it was once an important strategic point on the trade route running from south to north in Europe. Of the former castle complex, the aforementioned rotunda of St. Nicholas, the Gothic defense tower known as the Piast Tower and fragments of the defensive walls have survived to our days.

The Piast Tower, rising to a height of 29 meters, is an excellent vantage point from which one can admire the panorama of Cieszyn and, in good weather, even the distant peaks of the Beskids. Inside the tower is an exposition depicting the history of the castle and the city. Legend has it that there are mysterious tunnels under the castle, which were supposed to serve as an escape route during a siege or as a prince's treasury.

Interestingly, Castle Cieszyn is not just a monument - it now houses Castle Cieszyn, a center for design and entrepreneurship that hosts exhibitions, workshops and conferences on design. This unusual function makes the historic walls vibrant and attracts not only history lovers, but also people interested in contemporary design.

Comparing all the castles described, each offers unique experiences and attractions. Bouzov Castle impresses with its complete fairy-tale architecture and is ideal for families with children, who can feel like they are in the setting of a fantasy film. Kokořín Castle captivates with its wild, romantic location among rocks and forests, making it a dream destination for nature and photography enthusiasts. Jánský Vrch Castle is notable for its unique collection of pipes, which will interest collectors and enthusiasts of unusual collections.

Svojanov Castle offers a combination of Gothic and romanticism and a wealth of legends, which attracts mystery and history lovers. The castle in Nové Město nad Metují impresses with its Renaissance elegance and beautiful gardens, ideal for a peaceful stroll. Hradec nad Moravicí impresses with its grandeur and rich cultural history, being an inspiring place for those sensitive to art. Cieszyn Castle, on the other hand, while the least grand in architecture, stands out for its unique Romanesque rotunda and modern approach to the use of historic space.

In terms of accessibility, the most friendly to people with limited mobility are the Castle in Nové Město nad Metují and Hradec nad Moravicí, both of which have partial facilities for the disabled. Kokořín Castle, on the other hand, can be challenging for the elderly or families with small children due to its location on a rocky hill.

For photography enthusiasts, the best choices are the picturesque Kokořín Castle and Bouzov Castle, which offer the most photogenic views. Those interested in history will appreciate the wealth of exhibits at Jánský Vrch Castle and Hradec nad Moravicí. Families with children, on the other hand, will have the best time at Bouzov Castle and Svojanov Castle, where special tours and events are organized for the little ones.