Domestic castles, chateaus, and other monuments will celebrate their International Day

Prague - Domestic castles and chateaus are preparing special events for visitors on the occasion of the International Day for Monuments and Sites. However, since April 18 falls on a Monday this year, when most monuments are closed, the celebrations will take place over the entire upcoming weekend. Tourists can look forward to exhibitions, reduced admission fees, Easter markets, and guided tours.
Special programs and attractions are also being prepared by monuments managed by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ). "For example, Bítov Castle will offer tours in period costumes from April 16 to 17, while Bezděz Castle will exceptionally open the walkway of its Gothic chapel," reported NPÚ spokesperson Zdeňka Kalová to ČTK.
The chateau in Náměšť nad Oslavou will exceptionally open its cellar spaces over the weekend, featuring original baroque saint statues from the Náměšť bridge. An exhibition showcasing the history of the chateau's electrification in the early 20th century will also be opened. "This chateau was the second major building in Moravia after the Mahen Theatre in Brno to have electric lighting installed," said the chateau's custodian Marek Buš to ČTK.
The Bouzov Castle in the Olomouc region will also be lively with celebrations, especially featuring characters that usually only look at viewers from paintings or as statues. The event called Living Pictures is already taking place here for the second year, said the chateau's custodian representative Marcela Foltasová to ČTK. "Figures that either lived here or are associated with some legends will walk through the castle," Foltasová stated. For example, characters such as the noblewomen Marie of Burgundy and Alžběta of Thuringia will step out from the painting, the statues of Saint Barbara and Catherine from the altar in the chapel will come to life, and a Turk will emerge from a sandstone console in the Column Hall. Visitors will also be able to encounter bears that roamed the castle moats in the 1960s over both weekend days.
At Opočno Castle, tourists will learn about contemporary dining practices. In the historic dining room, they will be able to admire, for instance, tableware from the castle's depository. Awareness efforts are also in place at Rájce nad Svitavou Castle. Visitors will find out how new tour routes are created, including professional and manual work.
The management of Kynžvart Castle has prepared free entry to the main circuit for groups of children and seniors. Visiting NPÚ monuments in South Bohemia will also be advantageous, where reciprocal tickets will be valid at all heritage sites (except for the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov) on Saturday and Sunday. Anyone who visits one of the NPÚ monuments there will have free entrance to any other site. This project includes locations such as Červená Lhota, Hluboká, Jindřichův Hradec, Třeboň, Rožmberk, or Zvíkov.
However, architecture and design lovers will head more towards the west of the country. The Plzeň city council will open apartments on Saturday, April 16, whose interiors were designed by the world-renowned architect Adolf Loos in the 1920s and 1930s. Interested parties will be able to visit three interiors owned by the city and one apartment in private ownership. However, tickets have been sold out for several days now.
The International Day for Monuments and Sites has been celebrated since 1984, having been initiated a year earlier by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Each year it also has a theme, and this year it is Cultural Heritage of Water.