Water Castle Švihov
Approximately 30 km south of Pilsen lies the small town of Švihov, near Klatovy in the Úhlava River valley. The most noteworthy local monument is Švihov Castle, whose courtyard you might remember from the film Three Wishes for Cinderella. There are several tour routes for visitors to take of the castle. You can also participate in a number of special tours and events during the peak season.
May – September:
every day, excluding Mondays
April and October:
Saturdays and Sundays
November – March:
Closed
Adults CZK 220
Children CZK 70
Students and seniors CZK 180
Children ages 6 and younger free of charge
No public transportation connections. Švihov is located approx. 30 km from Pilsen.
The history of Švihov Castle dates back to the 15th century, when the regional judge Půta Švihovský (one of the most significant men from the Rýzmberk family) had it built. In the beginning, the castle was designed to be an artificial island and was made to include four protective bastions, two rampart walls and two water-filled moats. The water to fill both moats was taken from the Úhlava River.
Saving the castle
The castle was facing demolition after the Thirty Year’s War. However, it was successfully defended and at least part of the castle was saved. It was then used to serve agricultural purposes until the 20th century, when it was designated as castle ruins. Nevertheless, Eugen Černín contributed to the protection of this Gothic monument in the 1930s and was able to provide the castle with its much-needed repairs.
Cinderella and a castle tour
By going on one of the commentated tours of Švihov Castle, you will learn more about its history and take a look at its chambers, castle kitchen and well-preserved tower. You can also go to discover more about the secret of Cinderella’s glass slipper. This you can do by touring the exposition dedicated to the filming of this legendary fairy tale.
