Jihočeský kraj Zvíkov The former royal castle rises above the Orlická reservoir and has been described as the king of Czech castles as a prime example of Bohemian Early Gothic architecture. Czech kings chose it as a place of rest and as a place fi t to protect the Czech Crown Jewels. The royal palace with a pentagonal courtyard and ground fl oor and fi rst fl oor arcades richly decorated with wall paintings is encircled by a complex of fortifi ed walls and gates. The unstructured tour allows you to visit the dungeons, the fi rst fl oor of the palace, admire the Late Gothic chapel with the Master of the Zvíkov Passion authored altar and see the Vltava and Otava River confl uence from the castle tower. +420 382 285 676 www.hrad-zvikov.cz zvikov@npu.cz