Konopiste

About

This Baroque-revamped Gothic fortification belonged to the Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, whose assassination in Sarajevo ignited the First World War. Gloomy remembrance is not the order of the day at Konopištĕ and its environs however. The castle stands at the wooded lip of an extensive lake ideal for long bracing walks, while the castle's own belt of gardens and lawns invite more serene strolling. Tours of the castle interior are of course available, including Franz Ferdinand's private apartments, and his collections of antique furniture, Italian paintings, Gothic sculptures, hunting trophies and armoury are seriously impressive. But what's so appealing about Konopištĕ is the atmosphere of its lake-side location. Walking around the lake's wooded shore and looking back at the castle's tree-cushioned towers, reflecting perhaps on the fate of ordinary mortals and Archdukes can be a stilling, calming experience.