Státní zámek Jánský Vrch, 790 70 Javorník, Česká republika
IV., X.: Saturday and Sunday, holidays
V. - IX.: Tuesday to Sunday, holidays
Café U Jana, souvenirs, electric charger (nearby TIC building), possibility of organizing weddings (exterior and interior), special tours for children, seasonal tours
Jánský Vrch Chateau
This charming chateau overlooks the town of Javorník in the Rychleby Mountains near the Czech-Polish border.
The first written record of the original defensive castle dates back to the late 13th century, when it was owned by Polish House of Świdnica. But from the mid-14th century, the castle and the surrounding domains was owned by the Diocese of Wroclaw for the next six hundred years. The castle was heavily damaged during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century, and the owners subsequently had its defence system demolished, so that the castle would never again be a stronghold of enemies. The major reconstruction of the castle began towards the end of the 15th century when its name was also changed to Jánský Vrch in honour John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Bishops of Wroclaw. The definitive redevelopment into a Baroque chateau took place under the episcopate of Bishop Philipp Gotthard of Schaffgotsch in the 18th century. He even invited composer Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf to the chateau and Jánský Vrch became the centre of musical life in Silesia for several years.
One of the guided tours shows the ceremonial rooms with original furnishings, mostly from the 19th century, including unique, up 200-year-old curtains, as well as the chapel with Gothic decorations, the concert hall, music room, and dining hall. You will also see one of the largest collections of tobacco pipes in the Czech Republic. Another tour leads through the service quarters of the chateau, showing the living quarters of the servants and the administrator, the kitchen, and laundry room. Tourists can also visit the attic and former guest rooms on the 3rd floor. A technical-artistic rarity - the main chateau courtyard are illuminated by fully functional gaslights.
During the summer season, children will surely enjoy the Fairy-Tale Park, and they can also wear period costumes and take a tour of the chateau full of games, riddles, and fairy tales. The chateau also regularly offers Easter- and Christmas-themed tours, as well as the hugely popular night tours.