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Konopiště – the seat of the heir to the Austrian throne
The romantic castle-château of Konopiště near Prague is well-known as the residence of the Austrian Archduke and Heir to the throne, Franz Ferdinand d’Este, who lived there with his family, and whose assassination in Sarajevo in 1914 triggered the First World War. His unique collection of hunting weapons and trophies is one of the great attractions at the castle. The popular Castle Park and the romantic Rose Garden are also a very popular.
Don’t miss:
Konopiště Castle
Benešov 
zamek-konopiste.cz
Four approximately hour-long sightseeing tours take visitors around the castle interiors, including the Franz Ferdinand d’Este family rooms. Many original pieces of furniture and valuable art collections have been preserved within. There is also a hunting-themed route.
Castle Park and Rose Garden
Benešov
At the end of the 19th century Archduke Franz Ferdinand had the extensive baroque gardens turned into a landscaped park, including a Rose Garden and greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants. There is also an unparalleled cork pavilion. The Rose Garden and the greenhouses are accessible to the public.
The ‘Beararium’
Konopiště is currently home to the rare Asian black bear.
Museum of St George
A unique monothematic collection of articles on the theme of St George on display beneath the southern terraces of the castle in the former orangery.
Shooting Range
A retro shooting range with movable and acoustic targets, a billiard track and hunting trophies, no less, is sited in the former stables in the castle courtyard.
Events
During the season, a number of cultural events are held here, as advised on the castle website and facebook pages.
More about the castle:
When:
Konopiště castle is open from the end of March to the end of October every day except Mondays. In November, opening hours are limited to weekends and selected routes only are available.
How to get here:
The castle is some 30 km out of Prague and well accessible by bus, changing at Benešov. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. During the summer holidays, a seasonal bus service is available on Saturdays from downtown Prague direct to Konopiště. You can also take the Ekovláček eco-train to the castle from the centre of Benešov. For the timetable see here.