Humprecht, Baroque château in Sobotka, Czech Republic.
Humprecht is a baroque château perched on a basalt hill, distinguished by its elliptical form and a central tower topped with a crescent monument. The building houses a black kitchen, banquet hall, hunting exhibition, and observation deck for visitor access.
Italian architect Carlo Lurago built the château between 1666 and 1668 for Count Humprecht Jan Czernin as a summer residence and hunting lodge. Following a lightning strike and fire in 1678, reconstruction added an extra floor that established the structure seen today.
The main hall on the first floor captivates visitors with its elliptical shape and remarkable acoustic properties that create long echoes. This quality turns the space into a memorable place for experiencing sound in an unusual way.
The château is open for tours on select days and offers guided access through its various rooms and exhibits. Visitors should prepare for stairs and multiple levels when exploring the building and reaching the observation area.
The château is built from local basalt stone, giving it a dark, sturdy character that sets it apart from typical light-colored baroque structures. This material choice shapes the building's appearance distinctly.
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