Klenová Castle, Gothic Revival castle ruin in Klenová, Czech Republic

Klenová is a medieval castle ruin with Gothic Revival features, situated on a hill near Klatovy in southwest Bohemia. The site combines deteriorated stone fortifications with a 19th-century manor house that now functions as a museum and exhibition space.

Klenová was founded in the second half of the 13th century; the first written mention of its holders dates from 1291, when the castle guarded the trade route from Železná Ruda to Bavaria. In the 14th and 15th centuries a Gothic palace with a large hall and chapel was built and the fortifications were strengthened with prismatic and semi-cylindrical bastions. The castle was rebuilt in Renaissance style in the 16th century and reconstructed in Romantic style between 1832 and 1838.

The castle houses an art gallery with four exhibition halls displaying works by Czech artists, including F. Foltýn, V. Hejna, and E. Filla. Visitors can see creations by local and regional artists displayed throughout the historic rooms.

Visitors should expect uneven terrain, especially among the ruins on the hilltop, and wear appropriate footwear. The best time to explore is during dry weather when stairs and paths are safely accessible.

The castle's oldest written record dates from 1291, when it guarded the trade route from Železná Ruda to Bavaria. The lords of Klenová, the family that took its name from the castle, came from this stronghold. The site has housed an art gallery since 1963.