The Czech Republic’s second largest castle was first mentioned in ancient chronicles in 1253 as the seat of the Vítek family, but it didn’t take on its Renaissance and Baroque appearance until much later under the Rosenbergs and Eggenbergs. The interior is amazingly intact and can be viewed on two guided tours and in a variety of languages. If you’d like to save a few crowns, you can walk through the courtyards and impressive gardens free of charge. The 54.5m tall tower is worth the small entrance fee if you don’t mind climbing 162 steps to the viewing platform and there is a spectacular view of the town from the 5th courtyard. Upon entering the castle don’t forget to take a peak into the moat which is home to sleepy bears.

Guided tour of castle 160Kč, guided tour of theatre 180Kč, tower 35Kč, lapidarium 20Kč. Ticket office is in the 2nd courtyard.