Prague weekend at the Château Ctenice

What does one usually imagine about a Prague weekend? Whether it’s for a small family on a special day, such as Father’s Day for instance, or a few days of get together with good friends, it could be about spending it on a quiet and relaxing weekend amidst a historical setting at the Château Ctenice (Zámek Ctenice) situated in the Vinor municipality of Prague in Czech Republic. The chateau offers not just a well-landscaped garden and park with a wide expanse of trees and greens, but museums, hotel, restaurant and cafe, ceremony areas, banquet and conference halls, play ground, riding school and secure parking as well.

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History of Chateau Ctenice in Prague

The chateau is originally owned by the Strahov Monastery and had been in possession by different individuals and families through the centuries and undergone several rebuilding projects. It was nationalized after the Second World War and its premises reconstructed by the City of Prague, its present owner and officially managed by the Prague Information Service.

Chateau Ctenice (Zámek Ctenice) in Prague, Czech Republic

Chateau Ctenice Exhibit Tours

Tourists and guests to the chateau can immerse themselves in an interesting historical tour as offered by the chateau’s three basic exhibits:

1. “In the Times of the Kaiser: The Habsburgs in Bohemia 1794-1914” showcases items from the royalties of the Habsburg-Lothringen dynasty such as portraits, coats of arms, weapons, dresses and other artifacts.
2. The History of Vinor features information about the past of this municipality which, through the centuries, became a part of Prague.
3. The Carriage Museum displays historical carriages from different eras, highlighting the oldest and significant carriage of the archbishop from the year 1720. One takes a journey to the past through this exhibit which provides an insight into the development of varied means of transportation from the 18th until the 20th century.

These exhibits feature the charm of typical European history and culture. One can surely learn from any of these historical tours offered by the Chateau.

Château Ctenice Hotel

To get the most of a Prague weekend, the chateau offers accommodation for those who can’t get enough of a day’s visit. The hotel provides comfortable rooms at the three-star standard with internet access in a charming atmosphere as evidenced by the wooden ceilings which showcase the original structure of the building as a former granary. There are twenty-two rooms with two beds, two rooms with single beds, two rooms for the handicapped/disabled and two chateau suites. It’s interesting to note that the reconstruction was carefully done to preserve the historical features and original structure of the granary.

Château Ctenice facilities and services

The chateau restaurant prides itself with scrumptious Czech dishes on their menu. For tourists, they get to be treated to a taste of Czech cuisine amidst a historical setting. There are halls and spaces in the chateau premises and its park for various events such as outdoor gatherings, business conferences, special shows and events. The riding school is managed by the Ctenice Horseback Riding Company and offers basic to intermediate horseback riding courses.

Château Ctenice opening hours and admission fees for 2011 (open on weekends!)

The chateau premises (and exhibits) are open from Mondays to Sundays at 10:00am – 5:00pm, but will be closed on November 2011 to March 2012. For 2011, full admission fee is 100 CZK and 70 CZK for children (6 to 15 years old), students (with valid ID) and seniors (over 65 years old). Those who wish to visit the Carriage Museum only will be charged with an admission fee of 60 CZK and half the price for children, students and seniors. Families (2 adults with maximum of 4 children not more than 15 years old) get discounted entrance fees at 250 CZK.

For those who plan on spending a unique Prague weekend in a charming historical location amidst nature, the Chateau Ctenice offers a variety of activities in a tranquil setting. It’s the ideal venue not only for the grandest events such as weddings and reunions, but for simple and intimate family picnics as well.