Ploskovice – Chateau, Grottoes and Park

Ploskovice combines the history of its chateau with landscaped parkland and opportunities to observe nature. Ploskovice Chateau was built in the first quarter of the 18th century as the summer residence of Grand Duchess Anna Marie Františka of Tuscany. In the mid-19th century, Ploskovice Chateau became the private residence of Emperor Ferdinand V of Habsburg. The history of the chateau thus extends from a summer residence to a later private imperial residence. These two eras give the site a historical breadth that comes together with the park and grottoes to create a diverse visitor experience.

Chateau Park and Protected Nature

Ploskovice Chateau Park covers eight hectares and includes fountains, a pond, and rare trees and plants. An observation pavilion stands in the northern part of the chateau park. The protected beetle Páchník hnědý, one of the endangered species, lives in old hollow trees. The rare plants and protected beetle also highlight the ecological aspect of the park.

Nature Trail and Routes through Ploskovice

Since 2011, the “Za poklady ploskovického parku” nature trail has run through the chateau park and includes ten thematic information panels. They cover the ecosystems of the pond, meadow, forest and park, as well as the arboretum, fauna, flora, environmental protection, and the history of the municipality and Ploskovice Chateau. The panels present the trail’s subject matter, while the grottoes are shown as part of a guided tour. The nature trail is also equipped with signs identifying rare woody plants that form a small arboretum in Ploskovice. On the way to the chateau, the red-marked KČT hiking trail “Žižkovou stezkou Zemí hradů” serves as a walking route. You can visit the chateau park at your leisure during opening hours.

Grottoes, Art and Chateau History

The grotto complex comprises six areas, including a fountain dating from around 1725 and a fountain with Hercules. The grotto tour presents artificially created caves beneath Ploskovice Chateau that date from the early 18th century. The restoration of the grottoes included the restoration of the Baroque fountains and modifications to their water supply. The combination of underground spaces, Baroque fountains and their technical water systems adds a distinctive architectural theme to the history of the chateau.

Josef Navrátil, one of the most important Czech painters and decorators of the 19th century, played a major role in the decoration of Ploskovice Chateau. For younger visitors, the “Bears at the Chateau” exhibition was presented at Ploskovice Chateau; it was compiled mainly from the collection of the Grebler family.

If you are looking for accommodation in Ploskovice, you can consider during your research whether you want your stay to focus on chateau history, parkland nature, the nature trail or the grottoes. This allows you to choose your place to stay according to the experiences you want to occupy the largest part of your trip.

Discover More Destinations

You can also discover Hrobce, Siřejovice, Kostomlaty Pod Řípem, Encovany, Vlastislav, Michalovice U Velkých Žernosek, Evaň and Kleneč.

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Litoměřice District.