Early gothic look of the castle can be just vaguely guessed from the remnants of the outside walls. Original defence walls from that era can be seen in the western corner of the castle. Except single wall fortification the castle was protected by the moat and rampart. This type of protection could not any longer keep up with the development of weapons in the 15th century and its owner, Pribik from Klenovice and Janovice, decided to build stronger protection which basically meant to reconstruct all the castle.
Exact date when Pribik from Klenova became the lord of the castle is not known, but it is documented that he held it until his death in 1465. He was an ally of Hussite army. He joined Hussites in the siege of the town of Stribro which than remained in his property until the end of Hussitisme. In 1434 Pribik joined the enemies of Hussites and he was forced to fly during the siege of the city of Pilsen. He than became an ally of the emperor Zikmund and he was of a really good service even on this side. He was a really good soldier and a politian as well. He was among the first ones that stood up against the king Jiri from Podebrady.
Pribik used his knowledge from wars to build a new ramparts for Klenova
castle. In the first stage he enforced the protection inside the castle.
He had the castle divided into two parts. The southwestern part in which
stood the
old tower and one residential building for the castle garrison.
There was a gate leading to this part of the castle from the lower parts
of the castle. A prismatic tower was build above the gate. The entrance
from the first to the northeastern part of the castle lead through another
gate. This part of the castle was surrounded by several buildings from which
most of the southeastern wing was preserved. A big hall is the most
remarkable of the architecture, mostly due to its entrance decorated by
a cross-groined vault. There were several smaller rooms attached to the
big hall. Another building - a polygonal chappel - was attached to the
hall as well. A prismatic construction was built next to the northeastern
wall. There was a well digged inside this construction. New massive ramparts
were constructed on the northern, eastern and southern side of the castle.
A special towers enabling the castle defence to shoot to the sides were
built on the ramparts. This was a very modern type of fortification for
its era and similar construction was used on the city ramparts of Klatovy
later.
N.B.: The castle is closed for reconstruction until the end of March 1998!
| Owner: | Czech Republic |
| Address: | tel: (+420 186) 692-208 |
| Open: | Daily 9am to 5pm |
| Excursion: | guided tour in Czech |
| Admission Fee: | Fees for 1998 will be announced after the reconstruction ends. |
| Services: | A small stand selling post cards, souvenirs etc. |
| Events: | There is a gallery inside the Klenova castle. Several significant works of well-known czech artists can be found here. The interior exposition is further supplemented by an exposition of contemporary figure sculptures placed in the castle garden. |
| Parking: | Parking possibilities near the castle in Klenova. |
| Bus: | There's a direct bus line No. 432120 from Klatovy to Javor passing through Klenova. |
| Train: | 5 km, from Klatovy to Janovice nad Uhlavou, 8 CZK |
| Location: | The castle is located West of Klatovy between Janovice nad Uhlavou and Strazov. |
| Location on the map: | You can find Klenova on the tourist map No. 64: Sumava - Zeleznorudsko |
| Links: |