How Time Passed
Originally a princely stronghold in Bechyně, mentioned as early as the 9th century, it is located on the southernmost rocky promontory above the confluence of the Smutná stream and the Lužnice River. Before 1268, King Přemysl Otakar II acquired the "desolate hill of Bechyně" from the property of the Prague bishops and built a stone castle there. During the reign of King John of Luxembourg, a town surrounded by walls was founded in the outer bailey of the castle in 1323. Significant fortifications were added to the castle in the 15th century.
From the 1270s, the ownership of Bechyně changed hands several times. In 1340, Bechyně was in the possession of the Lords of Šternberk (again from 1477 to 1530 and subsequently from 1596 to 1715), from whom it was acquired by Margrave Jošt in 1367. Under the Bechyně family of Lažany, the city was burned by the Hussite commander Jan Hvězda of Vícemilice between 1422 and 1423. However, the castle was captured by Prokop the Great only in 1428.
The oldest seat, which was rebuilt primarily in 1477 and later between 1510 and 1527, still retains parts of two longitudinal buildings, connected by a transverse wing, which was added during the Renaissance to the newly constructed so-called Vok Castle. The fourth wing, which completed the southern side of the courtyard, was demolished in 1791.
After the Švamberk family, who owned Bechyně since 1530, the estate was ruled by Petr Vok of Rožmberk from 1569 to 1596. His wedding to Kateřina of Ludanice took place here on February 14, 1580. With the marriage of Marie Theresa of Šternberk to Count Jan Leopold Paar in 1715, Bechyně passed into the hands of the Paar family, who owned it until 1948, when the state confiscated the castle. It was then used by the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. After 1989, the estate was returned through restitution. Currently, it is owned by the company Panství Bechyně SE/Herrschaft Bechyne SE, based in Vaduz (Liechtenstein).
The estate of Panství Bechyně SE/Herrschaft Bechyne SE covers 4,982 hectares of its own forest land, 500 hectares of forest leased from surrounding municipalities, 282 hectares of fishponds, the BECHYNĚ CASTLE complex, and other properties in the Bechyně region. The Czech subsidiary company Panství Bechyně s.r.o. manages the estate.
Since 1994, the castle, surrounding properties, and land have been continuously renovated. By 2007, Panství Bechyně had completed renovations and repairs worth more than 210 million CZK.
One of the most important and costly renovations took place along the entire castle tour route. The furniture, paintings, flooring, coffered ceiling, wall paintings in the Vok Wedding Hall, and the riding hall were restored. Additionally, the fountain, Forest House, historic frescoes in the courtyard, castle tower, and a complete replacement of the roof covering and trusses were carried out.
Most of the castle's spaces are available for cultural and social events, including wedding ceremonies. During the summer months, various historical and cultural events take place here. You can find the current schedule of events on our website during the season.