Karlštejn Castle

Founded in 1348, the construction of Karlštejn Castle was directed by the later Karlštejn burgrave Vitus of Bítov, but there are no records of the builder himself. Some historians have speculated that Matthias of Arras may be credited with being the architect, but he died in 1352. Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV personally supervised the construction works and interior decoration. The project was finished nearly twenty years later, in 1365, when the "heart" of the treasury—the Chapel of the Holy Cross, situated in the great tower—was consecrated.

Later, the Bohemian crown jewels were moved back to the castle and kept there for almost two centuries. The castle underwent several reconstructions: in late Gothic style after 1480 and in Renaissance style in the last quarter of the 16th century. In 1487, the great tower was damaged by fire, and during the 16th century, there were several adaptations. During the Thirty Years' War in 1619, the coronation jewels and the archive were brought to Prague, and in 1620, the castle was turned over to Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor. After having been conquered in 1648 by Swedes, it fell into disrepair.