Karlštejn is a small town that is primarily a tourist base for visitors to the most famous Czech castle. Karlštejn Castle is considered to be the most beautiful and is one of the most valuable Czech monuments outside Prague.
The history of the village is closely related to the history of the castle. The town was his servant settlement and a place where craftsmen and merchants related to the service of the stronghold lived. It was built in the mid-fourteenth century by Charles IV as one of his seats and the place where the royal treasure was to be stored.
Karlštejn Castle, one of the greatest attractions in the Czech Republic, has been preserved in perfect condition to the very early times. His great treasure is the chapel of St. Cross with an interior reminiscent of Byzantine traditions, lined with over 2,000 polished precious stones and decorated with 129 panel paintings by Master Theodoric. It is the largest collection of such paintings in Europe.
Below the castle, in the town, there are nice, mainly 17th and 18th century houses with restaurants and small guesthouses. The surrounding area is picturesque, forested hills with numerous hiking trails. From the tops of some hills you can enjoy nice views of the castle.
