Chateau Metternich Chateau Kynžvart
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Kynžvart Chateau, place of diplomatic meetings, is located in the Czech border at the foot of the Slavkov Forest, in a protected area, famous for its natural richness and spas. The chateau is by its area and its collections one of the most significant monuments protected by the Czech state. The chateau is surrounded by a historical park with an area of 293 hectares. For both the representation purposes and personal interests of the most distinguished owner of the chateau – the Austrian Chancellor, Prince Klemens von Metternich (1773–1859), the chateau was rebuilt and filled with large collections; diplomatic gifts from around the world as well as a library of European importance. The chateau collections are completely accessible to wide public from 1828. The guided tours and associated events thus represent the time, the lifestyle and attitudes, the European political ideas and the work of the Chancellor, who derived his roots from Metter, the ministerial of the Frankish kings Merovech and Pepin. The family centuries-long tradition of service and the loyalty to the emperor thus brought about a close relationship with the Habsburgs.
In 1840, during the "Rhine" Crisis of 1840, Metternich kept held a meeting of ambassadors at the Kynžvart Chateau in the West of Bohemia. From this meeting we know a Suggestion for a “League to Preserve Peace” – a proposal that strongly resembles the founding treaty of the North Atlantic Alliance. The documentary set consists of a report by Lord Beauvale (English Ambassador to Austria) dated August 29, 1840, with an enclosed proposal and memorandum by Count Ficquelmont (Austrian Ambassador to Russia) sent to Lord Palmerston (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom) from Kynžvart. Documents are kept by The National Archives in London, in the Foreign Office. The proposal was rejected by Palmerston; in his opinion peace in Europe was sustainable even without the creation of a League that would limit the ambitions of the United Kingdom. At least, the foundation of the defensive alliance without a commitment to future peace was proposed to Palmerston at the end of October by Prussian king Frederick William IV of Prussia, whose ambassador Count Moltzan was present at Kynžvart in August 1840. The Rhine crisis was eventually ended in a different way by the French King Louis Philippe, who removed from office his reactionary government, opening the door to the conclusion of the Second London Convention in 1841. However, Metternich’s vision of "the insurance company against war" was thus not realised.
- The first building of the site of today´s chateau is mentoined in the second half of 16th century.
- Between 1681-1691, the residence was rebuilt in the Baroque style, however, its character as a rural residence with an agricultural background was preserved. The builder was Philip Metternich, newly elevated to the rank of count.
- In 1820-1839, the chateau was rebuilt in the style of Viennese Classicism by the Austrian architect Pietro Nobile and the builder Chancellor Metternich, who, in cooperation with Viennese court gardener Johann Riedl, had the chateau surrounded by an extensive English park.
- The main building underwent a complex reconstruction in 1998–2000 as one of the first Czech sites included in the Cooperation Program of Phare CBC and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, which listed the restoration of the chateau within the Architectural Heritage Rescue Program.
Kynžvart Chateau is one of the objects administered by the National Heritage Institute of Czech Republic. The Chateau is open to the public.
Indoor is possible to visit two guided tours - Metternich Chateau Interiors and Museum and Cabinet of Curiosities. Also is possible The Barrier free tour.
Outdoor is possible to get a guided tour Under the Treebraches, but the Chateau Park is access free 7/24.
The Chateau also provides a research access.
Statute and Awards for the Chateau
- National cultural monument of Czech Republic,
- The Europa Nostra award,
- The Kynžvart Daguerreotypy was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register,
- European Heritage Label for the Kynžvart Chateau - place of diplomatic meetings.
- Zámek 347, 354 91 Lázně Kynžvart, Czech Republic
