Český Rudolec Castle

The Český Rudolec Castle originally had the character of a Gothic water fortress, first mentioned in the 13th century. About 300 years later, Countess Tokelliová had the fortress rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau and started improving the surrounding area. At that time, a park with greenhouses, a brewery, and a distillery were established. At the end of the 17th century, under the Trautson family, the castle was redesigned in the Baroque style.

After a fire in 1860, the new owner, Major of the Engineering Corps, Knight Michael Angelo Picchioni, transformed the castle into its present-day Romantic Tudor-Gothic style. Due to its striking architectural resemblance to Hluboká Castle, it earned the nickname "Little Hluboká".

Since 2009, the castle has been privately owned by Malá Hluboká a.s., which began the gradual restoration of the castle and its adjacent buildings. Since 2010, the castle has been secured and partially opened to visitors. By 2013, drainage and sewage systems had been repaired, and the damaged battlements were restored. In 2014, work began on the 30-meter-high tower renovation.

Today, the concept revolves around the idea of a fully functional economic complex. The 18th-century coaching inn across from the castle has been renovated into a guesthouse with a restaurant. The Baroque orangery has been transformed into a wellness center with beer baths. The estate buildings now house the first brewery in Bohemian Canada, restoring the brewing tradition in Český Rudolec after 118 years. The historic former administrator's house has also been restored and today serves as a tourist information center.