Křivoklát
Castle
Křivoklát Castle is a medieval castle in the Czech Republic. It is located in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area, about 30 kilometers west of Prague. The castle was founded in the early 13th century by Přemysl Otakar I, the King of Bohemia.
The castle was originally built as a hunting lodge, but it soon became a royal residence. Křivoklát was a favorite hunting ground of the Přemyslid kings, and it was also used as a prison for political prisoners.
In the 14th century, Křivoklát was expanded and fortified by Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor. The castle was also used as a mint, and it housed a royal treasury.
Křivoklát Castle is one of the most important and best-preserved medieval castles in the country.