This chateau once belonged to the successor to the Habsburg throne Franz Ferdinand d´Este - famous for his death in 1914 which started WWI. Originally a gothic castle built in the 14th century it was rebuilt in the 19th century and houses fascinating collections of historical weapons, furniture, paintings and tapestries. Franz Ferdinand was obsessed with hunting and his home is decorated with his trophies. In his books he recorded that he shot around 300.000 creatures, from foxes and deer to tigers, more then 100.000 of these still decorate the walls. St George renovated the castle in the 1890's with up to date technology such as flush toilets, electricity and a lift. There is also the St George Museum just beneath the castle terrace. There are three guided tours available. 

Admission from 145CZK to 250CZK. Admission to museum 25CZK.

Location: 50km south from Prague, you can take a bus from Roztyly metro station to Benesov (36CZK, takes 40minutes) or train from Main Station to Benesov. Castle is just 2.5km from a town. More info www.zamek-konopiste.cz

Opening hours for museum and chateau:
April, October: Tu - Fr 9 - 12 a.m., 1 - 3 p.m., Sa + Su 9 - 12 a.m., 1 - 4 p.m.
May - August: Tu - Su 9 - 12 a.m., 1 - 5 p.m.
September: Tu - Su 9 - 12 a.m., 1 - 4 p.m., Sa + Su 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
November:  Sa + Su 9 - 12 a.m., 1 - 3 p.m., Tu - Fr for booked groups only