The story of this place
Charles IV founded Karlštejn in 1348 as a fortified treasure house, a sacred stronghold to shelter the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire and his vast collection of Christian relics. Its buildings climb the wooded ridge in ascending holiness, culminating in the Chapel of the Holy Cross in the Great Tower — its walls encrusted with 2,000 pieces of polished semi-precious stone and 130 painted panels by Master Theodoric, its vault studded with glass stars to mimic heaven. So holy was this chapel that women were once forbidden to enter and the emperor removed his shoes. During the Hussite wars the imperial regalia were moved here for safety. Rising above the Berounka valley, it is among the most visited castles in Czechia.