Český Šternberk Castle

Medieval castle from 1241 rising above the Sázava valley, still owned by the Sternberg family, 50 km from Prague.

Perched on a massive rocky spur above the Sázava River valley, Český Šternberk Castle stands about 50 kilometres southeast of Prague on the historic royal road to Brno. The castle dates back to 1241, when Zdeslav ze Šternberka initiated its construction, making it one of the oldest surviving fortifications in Bohemia. What sets it apart is that it remains in the possession of the Counts of Sternberg, who still live there — a rare continuity of nearly 800 years of family history. Open to visitors, the castle offers Gothic and Baroque interiors alongside dramatic views over the forested river gorge. A classic day-trip destination from Prague.