[ 
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print ]Karlštejn Castle
The castle served him for rest and meditations. It has well preserved its beauty and one of the most precious decorations is the series of mural decorations by Master Theodorik, Gothic painter, in the Golden Chapel.
Founded in 1348, this castle holds a special place among Czech structures of its kind since it was bulit by Charles IV. King of Bohemia and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, as a Treasury for kingdom. Durring the Hussite Wars the Czech crown jewels were also brought to Karlštejn.
The castle shows a very impressive step- like architectural composition- the lowest located are the outer ward, the Well Tower and the Burgrave's Palace. Somewhat higher stands the grand Imperial Palace and the Marian Tower. The highest edifice of the castle, perched on a rocky outcrop, is the monumental Large Tower with the unique Chapel of the Holy Rood. Karlštejn owes its present appearance to the alternations carried out by J. Mocker in the late 19th century.
