Klenová: Discover the Castle, Chateau and Art

Klenová combines medieval castle history with chateau architecture, modern art, and distinctive interiors. Anyone planning a trip to Klenová will discover not only a historic complex but also a diverse cultural destination: the castle grounds include an almost completely preserved moat, a chateau with Neo-Gothic sections, a remarkable chapel, a sculpture park, and several exhibitions. For families, the recurring “Cesta” exhibition also offers a special way to engage, as children present their own works there.

Castle Complex and Chateau with Bohemian History

The origins of Klenová Castle date back to the second half of the 13th century. A defining element of the complex is the moat, which has been preserved around almost the entire castle. In front of the chateau, it was filled in during the 1830s. In the 19th century, Count Joseph Philip Edward Stadion-Warthausen and Thannhausen had a chateau built in the area of the southern fortifications. The western part of the chateau was designed in the Neo-Gothic style, considered there to be one of the very early examples of its use in Bohemia.

The “Stadionská” Chapel is another independent highlight of the ensemble. In Bohemia, it is notable for its preserved interior, which was not altered later. The restored chapel was reopened to visitors on April 1, 2017, as part of a guided tour with commentary. Another historical transformation can be seen in an area that was converted into a viewing terrace after a collapse in the 19th century. In this way, Klenová tells not only of architectural forms but also of changes that shaped the complex over time.

Art in the Chateau, Park and Granary

The permanent exhibition at Klenová Chateau presents Czech modern art from the gallery’s collection in four salons. It is complemented by historical furniture and 19th-century interiors. In the castle area, the theme of art then extends into the outdoors: the sculpture park features works by Vincenc Vingler, Jiří Seifert, Jaroslav Róna, Václav Fiala, Márius Kotrba and Anton Čierny. This makes it possible to discover historic architecture and visual art in different forms, without limiting Klenová to just one era.

The granary hosts two recurring exhibitions every year: “Contacts” in the first half of the year and the “START POINT PRIZE” in the second half. At the beginning of each exhibition season, “Cesta” also gives children space to present their work. Visitors vote for one work; a professional jury of the gallery’s art historians and visual artists honors the best creators with gold, silver and bronze palettes. For a trip with children, this creates a different approach to art than a traditional historical tour: the works of young participants are explicitly part of the exhibition program.

When looking for a hotel in Klenová, the focus is therefore on the desired combination of castle history, preserved interiors, sculptures and seasonal exhibitions. Anyone who wants to experience culture not only in museum spaces but also at a historic complex, in a chapel and outdoors will find several clearly distinct facets in Klenová for planning their trip.

More Destinations from the Same Selection

If you would like to discover more places in addition to Klenová, you will find Dešenice, Svata Katerina, Kvášňovice, Dobršín, Vřeskovice, Obytce, Hamry Na Šumavě and Zborovy here.

For the overarching travel overview: Klatovy District.