Spend up to four hours exploring Konopiste Chateau. The luggage can be left in the vehicle during the sightseeing. The driver will keep the vehicle safe.
Located just outside the city of Benesov, about 50km southeast of Prague, the Konopiste is a chateau famous for being the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and housing the bullet that killed him.
Although the chateau is famous for housing the man whose assassination triggered World War I, Konopiste’s history starts in the 13th century. Throughout the ages, a few battles were fought over the ownership of the castle, and it changed hands plenty of times. Therefore, several prominent medieval historical figures and families lived in the Konopiste.
Franz Ferdinand moved to the castle in 1887 and rebuilt it in a faux-historical style. After World War I, the Konopiste was opened to the public for a few years. Then, during World War II, it served as an SS headquarter. After its liberation, it was opened to the public again.
The castle is three stories high and has four wings. Although it has been opened to the public since the 1970’s, the Konopiste can only be toured from April to October. Visitors can tour the chateau wings and see the several exhibits on display, or walk through the grounds and admire the impressive Rose Garden.
Besides the famous bullet that killed Franz Ferdinand, visitors can see the residential rooms of the archduke and his collections. Since he was an enthusiastic hunter, there is a large collection of antlers on display and a shooting hall with moving targets. The Konopiste also houses the third largest European collection of medieval weapons and armory – the Obizzi-Este collection.
The entry fee to Konopiste is not included. Parking at the Konopiste is included.