Kozel Castle, Château in Šťáhlavy, Czech Republic.
Kozel Castle is a Neoclassical hunting château built in 1784–1789 for Count Jan Vojtěch Černín, with Václav Haberditz leading construction and Ignác Palliardi adding the chapel, riding hall, stable and servants' quarters. Its four wings enclose a rectangular courtyard with a small pool, and the main southwest wing carries a mansard storey above a pale yellow facade with pilasters and a white cornice.
Construction took place between 1784 and 1789 under architect Václav Haberditz, commissioned by Jan Vojtěch of Czernin. The project reflected the tastes of Czech nobility during that era and set the standard for residences of its kind.
The name Kozel means "goat" in Czech, though the castle is named after the nearby hill. Guest rooms were split by a partition into a noble section and a servants' compartment. The riding hall now displays plaster-patinated sculptures by Josef Václav Myslbek, loaned from the National Gallery.
The castle is accessible through guided tours that show the interior rooms and grounds thoroughly. Plan adequate time for your visit and wear comfortable shoes as you explore the layout and surroundings.
The castle's interiors hold a valuable library of Jan Vojtěch Černín, enlarged after 1945 with the Stadion family library containing prints from 1517 to 1840. In the wing once used as a horse stable, the Waldsteins set up a small theatre.
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