Švihov Castle, Gothic water castle in Švihov u Klatov, Czech Republic
Švihov Castle is a Gothic water castle near Klatov, surrounded by water moats fed from nearby ponds. The structure comprises two residential palaces, a five-story entrance tower, and four bastions forming a fortified complex.
Construction started in 1480 under orders from Půta Švihovský of Rýzmberk and finished nine years later. The castle faced a Swedish siege in 1639 during the Thirty Years' War, marking a turning point in its history.
The rooms display late Gothic and Renaissance furnishings, tapestries, and weapons that reflect how residents once lived here. These collections show the tastes and daily habits of people from centuries past.
Visitors can explore the grounds independently or join guided tours lasting several hours, with groups accommodated to a certain size. The water moats form a major part of the experience, so sturdy footwear is recommended for the uneven paths.
The building served as a filming location for various productions, shaping the visual look of several Czech films. Its architecture and surrounding landscape made it a popular backdrop for stories set in past centuries.
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