Mšec, Baroque château in Mšec, Czech Republic

Mšec is a château in Mšec, Rakovník District, whose present form results from a Baroque rebuilding begun in 1675 to plans by Domenico Spinetta. It has three wings around a courtyard closed by a Baroque wall with pilasters and blind arcades; the north wing preserves a Renaissance double portal with the Štampach coat of arms.

A Gothic fortress, probably founded by Albrecht of Kolovrat in the second half of the 14th century, stood here; royal troops besieged and took it in 1388 or 1390. Matyáš Štampach had the old building demolished and a new Renaissance château built in 1613 under the architect Fortini. After 1662 the Schwarzenbergs acquired it and from 1675 rebuilt it in Baroque style to plans by Domenico Spinetta; work continued into the early 19th century.

The château's name was Kornhauz until the 16th century, when the Štampach family rebuilt it; their coat of arms survives on a Renaissance double portal in the north wing's courtyard side. Matthias Štampach kept collections of weapons and objects from his European travels, plus a chapel, library and archive.

The château is located in a small village and is best reached on foot or by car, with advance research recommended for the exact location. Since it is a protected monument, visitor access may be limited and depends on local regulations.

The medieval castle that preceded the château has left no visible traces; during excavation work in 1935, remains of masonry and a round tower were found in the middle of the courtyard. These finds are too sparse to reconstruct the castle's extent or appearance.