Loket Castle
July 13th, 2007 by Neel BhutaLoket Castle is an absolute gem. Located in Western Bohemia, two hours west of Prague, Loket is only a short trip from more famous tourist destinations like Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne. The castle dates back to the twelfth century, and it is beautifully preserved, mostly because it has been declared a national monument.
When you first get to Loket, you might find the area somewhat familiar, because it was the location for a number of scenes in Casino Royale, the latest James Bond film. It took the place of the town in Montenegro where the characters in the movie played their poker game. The town does not have much to offer, especially if you’re not into architecture from the Middle Ages, but it does have one amazing castle.
Guys love castles. I know I have loved them ever since I was kid playing around in forts. And I mention that because Loket Castle makes a special effort to cater to that feeling. Admission charge is required, but once you enter the castle gates, you can wander around wherever you want. You can enter the dungeons (where prisoners were once kept), explore the turrets (where one king stashed his daughters) and even experience the royal view from the balconies.
At certain times of the year, the administrators of the castle organize a special dungeon exhibition. They had opened access to about fifteen different rooms and set up a different torture scenario in each one. The idea of a dungeon exhibition might seem a bit gruesome, but there’s also something fun in seeing what happens to a doll when stretched over a rack.
Do not leave the town right away after you are done exploring Loket Castle. If you are hungry and like central European food, then there is a restaurant in the area worth checking out. It’s simply called Restaurace, and it’s directly to the right of the exit to the castle. The staff there will cook you the best goulash you will ever have (served in a bread bowl), and you can wash it down with a Pilsner.
You may not have heard of Loket Castle before now. While it may not be as well-known or popular as some of Europe’s castles, it is not lacking in quality. Sometimes you can get overwhelmed just visiting all of the churches and castles in Europe, but that does not mean that you shouldn’t go. They are an unforgettable part of the history of the land, and if you are in Western Bohemia, Loket Castle is a must-see.
Posted: July 13th, 2007 under Eastern Europe, General, Travel Tips.
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