Baroque Château in Hořín: A Glimpse into Bohemian History

The Château in Hořín stands as an impressive three-wing Baroque castle situated in the district of Mělník, Central Bohemia (Středočeském kraj). Its construction dates back to 1696, commissioned by Heřman Jakub Černín, the chief burgrave of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The mastermind behind this architectural marvel was Giovanni Battista Alliprandi, a highly sought-after builder hailing from northern Italy, renowned for his opulent Baroque creations in Prague and other country castles throughout Bohemia, including the famed castle in Liblice, which now serves as a hotel.

Surrounded by a meticulously landscaped park, covering more than 10 hectares, the castle once served as a hunting residence. Various outbuildings were also part of the estate, though some have now been reduced to ruins. Notably, in 1736, the palace underwent further expansion, with side wings, corner pavilions, and outbuildings added, all aligned parallel to the original structure. Among these enhancements, an exquisite castle chapel was erected in the eastern pavilion, adorned with a captivating painted ceiling and dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk.

The interior of the château boasts numerous rooms with intricately vaulted ceilings, adorned with elaborate stucco work and paintings, many of which have stood the test of time and are considered valuable works of art.

Following significant political changes, the property was eventually returned to the descendants of its last owners, who retain possession to this day. In 2013, ambitious plans were laid out for the construction of a residential complex, with a staggering budget of 30 million euros. However, the project remained in the planning stage and never came to fruition. As a result, the stunning Hořín Castle has been offered for sale for a considerable period, with negotiations still underway as of February 2023, engaging several potential buyers in the pursuit of preserving this rich historical gem.

Image credits go to: chateau.cz