Excursions around the Czech Republic |
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One of the most sensational and history-laden Gothic castles in the Czech Republic, Konopište was the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d’Este, whose assassination at Sarajevo in 1914 touched off the First World War. The archduke’s mania was hunting, and the castle’s decorative interiors and corridors were designed to show off his immense collection of hunting trophies and unique weaponry. Many of the exhibits, such as “Shooting Gallery with Moving Targets”, are downright bizarre. Surrounding the castle is a magnificent, sprawling park with a gorgeous rose garden. Strolling through its peaceful grounds, one often encounters peacocks stepping regally about the fine sculptures, fountains and ponds.
