Karlstejn Castle occupies a wholly exceptional position among Czech castles. lt did not originate as an administrative centre of the local estate, or as a representative royal seat, but was intended to serve as a place of safe-keeping for relics, including the imperial coronation jewels. lt was named after its founder Charles IV, Czech and German King and Holy Roman Emperor.

January 10, 2004

Photo by Hans Doeleman, Haarlem, the Netherlands