Vimperk, Gothic castle in Vimperk, Czech Republic.
Vimperk is a Gothic and Renaissance castle complex situated on elevated ground overlooking the town below. The compound comprises multiple palace buildings, two prominent towers, and defensive walls that enclose a spacious courtyard area.
Prince Přemysl Otakar II founded the castle in 1260 to protect the Golden Trade Route connecting Passau and Bohemia. Over the centuries it was rebuilt and expanded, especially during the Renaissance when new palace wings were added.
The location bears the name of the family that shaped its character over generations. Today this legacy appears in the rooms and in how the structure commands the surrounding landscape.
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since pathways across the grounds and between buildings are uneven and steep in places. The best visiting season is from May through September when weather is reliable and all areas remain open for exploration.
A lightning strike in 1857 caused serious damage to the Upper Castle and Emperor Franz Joseph I funded its restoration. This event left physical marks on the structure that remain visible in the stonework today.
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