Hořelice

Tucked away in the town of Rudná, the Hořelice Castle whispers tales of bygone eras. Hořelice, now a part of Rudná, boasts a history dating back to 1052. Originally, Hořelice was a separate village, merging with Dušníky in 1951 to form the town of Rudná. The Hořelice Castle, a prominent landmark in Rudná, stands as a silent witness to this rich history. Once a sturdy stone fortress complete with a moat, the castle has undergone several transformations. Damaged during the Thirty Years’ War, the remnants of the fortress were later converted into a Baroque chateau around 1700 by the Karvinští family. A further classical redesign in 1839 shaped the Hořelice Castle we see today. Now privately owned, the castle grounds remain inaccessible to the public, adding an air of mystery to its presence. Imagine the bustling activity that once filled this space. From the clatter of hooves in the courtyard as post riders arrived to the murmur of conversations within its walls, Hořelice Castle has absorbed centuries of life. Although the castle itself is hidden, the spirit of Hořelice lives on in the surrounding area. The Church of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, a Baroque masterpiece possibly designed by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, adds to the historical tapestry of the area. As you stand here, envision the echoes of the past mingling with the present, a testament to Hořelice’s enduring presence in the heart of Rudná.