Kokořín

Kokořín Castle was built on a sandstone promontory above the Kokořín Valley. It was built in the first half of the 14th century by Hynek Berka of Dubá, a prominent Czech nobleman and burgrave of Prague. During the Hussite Wars (1420–1430), it was captured and severely damaged. After they came to an end, it frequently passed from one noble family to another. In 1544, the castle is described as abandoned and desolate.

In the 19th century, the ruins became a source of inspiration for Romantic artists, including the poet Karel Hynek Mácha. It has become a quintessential symbol of natural and historical romanticism.

In 1894, the castle was purchased by Prague businessman Václav Špaček, whose son Jan Špaček initiated an extensive Neo-Gothic renovation between 1911 and 1918. Architect Eduard Sochor, following the guidance of historians August Sedláček and Čeněk Zíbrt, transformed the castle into the form we know today. After 1950, the castle was confiscated by the communist regime, but today it is once again owned by the Špaček family.