A library that has been on my bucket list for some time now is the Ka\u010dina Castle Library in the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n
There are plenty of incredible libraries to visit in Prague<\/a>, but Ka\u010dina\u2019s looks like something plucked from the pages of a fairytale.\u00a0<\/p>\n This majestic circular book trove was built for the Chotek Family and contains over 40,000 rare books on the shelves.\u00a0<\/p>\n I was in awe of this place and highly recommend visiting if you\u2019re a reading lover.<\/p>\n Ka\u010dina is just a short drive or bus ride away from Kutna Hora and so it makes a great day trip when visiting Prague.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here is how to visit the stunning Ka\u010dina Castle Library with everything you need to know!<\/p>\n Ka\u010dina Ch\u00e2teau is one of the most significant examples of the Empire Style architecture found in the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n It was built as a mansion from 1806 \u2013 1824 for the Chotek family as a summer residence.<\/p>\n Back then, Count Jan Rudolf\u00a0Chotek was a supreme burgrave of the\u00a0Kingdom of Bohemia.<\/p>\n It was designed by the Saxon royal architect Christian Franz Schuricht of Dresden.\u00a0<\/p>\n The castle is divided into three parts. The central building is the largest and was used for the family\u2019s living quarters.<\/p>\n There are also two wings on either side. One contains a large library and the other an unfinished chapel and Baroque theatre.<\/p>\n Ka\u010dina Castle Library was built at the same time as the Baroque Theatre and was completed in 1824.<\/p>\n Built in a Classicist Style, the central lofty cupola was inspired by temples of Ancient Rome.<\/p>\n Twelve faux marble columns suspend an upper mezzanine floor containing even more books.\u00a0<\/p>\n There are over 40,000 historic books in the library dating back to the 15th \u2013 19th centuries, and each one is embossed with the Chotek coat of arms.<\/p>\n Most of the collection is written in German, but there are others in Spanish, Italian and the old Czech language.<\/p>\n The oldest book in the collection is a Russian book of psalms from 1480.\u00a0<\/p>\n The most precious volumes, however, are a complete set of the French encyclopaedia\u00a0Description de l\u2019\u00c9gypte<\/em>\u00a0from 1809-1818.<\/p>\n This contains a complete record of everything Napoleon Bonaparte witnessed in Egypt during the Napoleonic Wars.<\/p>\n Few libraries in the world own a complete set of the first 23 volumes published. So, it\u2019s a special thing to see.<\/p>\n Another reason why I wanted to visit Ka\u010dina Castle Library is that it recently featured in series 2 of The Empress on Netflix (Die Kaiserin<\/em>).<\/p>\n The latest series was predominantly filmed in the Czech Republic, including the city centre of Prague.\u00a0<\/p>\n This library featured many times in the show during scenes featuring Napoleon and Archduke Maximilian.<\/p>\n Of course, after finding out that Napoleon\u2019s rare published works were in this library, it made sense why the production chose it.<\/p>\n I\u2019m obsessed with that series, and it felt surreal to see this circular library with my own eyes!<\/p>\n Ka\u010dina Castle Library is inside Ka\u010dina Ch\u00e2teau which is located around 4\/5 kilometres from Kutna Hora hl.n station in the Czech Republic.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re visiting Prague, you can take a direct train to Kutna Hora for around an hour and then switch to a local bus\/taxi service heading to Ka\u010dina.<\/p>\n Booking trains in the Czech Republic is easy if you use the \u010cesk\u00e9 dr\u00e1hy <\/a>website. It has an English option and takes a few moments.\u00a0<\/p>\n Make sure to check bus schedules before you go, as services to Ka\u010dina run every couple of hours. You can pay with contactless payments onboard.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re driving, travelling there will be much easier, and there is a large car park just outside.<\/p>\n Once you arrive at Ka\u010dina, you can walk through the gardens to the main castle entrance.<\/p>\n Inside, you can buy a ticket for a Ka\u010dina Library tour. Or, you can book beforehand online.\u00a0<\/p>\n You can only visit Ka\u010dina Castle Library on a guided tour, and these take place every even number of the day (10 am \/ 12 pm \/ 2 pm \/ 4 pm).<\/p>\n Tours don\u2019t always take place daily, so make sure to check the calendar for tour dates before you visit.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Chotkov library tours cost;<\/p>\n I thought that this was a bargain to see such an incredible library, plus the guided tours last around an hour.<\/p>\n You can either book tours online or buy a ticket at the castle on the day.\u00a0<\/p>\n As places are limited to 30 people per tour, I recommend booking online to avoid disappointment.<\/p>\n All guided tours are conducted in the Czech language, but they give foreign visitors a booklet with a translated transcript if needed. \u00a0<\/p>\n I had seen photos of Ka\u010dina Ch\u00e2teau online, but nothing prepares you for seeing this incredible building in person.<\/p>\n As I hopped off the bus and crossed the elaborate grounds, I was enchanted by this castle.\u00a0<\/p>\n The estate was so grand, it felt like I had entered an episode of Bridgerton<\/em>.<\/p>\n Built in a Classicist style, the gleaming tympanum facade with towering columns makes a profound impression.\u00a0<\/p>\n I arrived a little early, so I had some fun taking photos outside before making my way in for my tour.<\/p>\n You can only explore the staterooms with a guided tour, but there is a gallery you can enter near the ticket desk for free.<\/p>\n This entry hall was nothing short of breathtaking. The Chotek family built this residence to impress, and they definitely succeeded in that.\u00a0<\/p>\n This gallery also allows you to take a peek inside some of the rooms, such as the family dining room and long gallery.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you have time, I recommend booking a Castle Tour where you can visit thirteen lavish chambers.<\/p>\n Once our group had all gathered in the reception hall, it was time to start our library tour. I\u2019m not going to lie, I was brimming with anticipation.\u00a0<\/p>\n We followed our guide to the entrance of the Chotek Library, and they unlocked the doors to what I can only describe as a literary paradise.\u00a0<\/p>\n As soon as we stepped inside, we were surrounded by thousands of old books on the shelves with book ladders.<\/p>\n I was also hit with the scent of parchment, ink and leather. It\u2019s a smell I wish I could bottle up and take home, as nothing beats it.\u00a0<\/p>\n The most impressive part of Ka\u010dina Castle Library is the central cupola hall.\u00a0<\/p>\n Built in a Classicist style, twelve immense faux marble columns suspend the upper floor.\u00a0<\/p>\n The spherical floor has a bold monochrome pattern, and if you look up, the lofty domed ceiling has a skylight that provides a natural glow.\u00a0<\/p>\n All of the books on the shelves are protected by honeycomb grates. Unfortunately, you can\u2019t handle or read any of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, you can easily see many of the book spines, and some were even painted in gold!<\/p>\n At the very back of the library, there is a study room that contains maps, scrolls, newspapers and documents.\u00a0<\/p>\n I love looking at historical maps, as it\u2019s like a portal back in time. You can see old territories and forgotten empires from long ago.<\/p>\n You can find some antique celestial globes as well as a statuette collection of important Czech rulers.<\/p>\n Notably, there is a bust of Nikolaus Joseph Jacquin, a Dutch-born Austrian scientist of medicine, chemistry and botany.\u00a0<\/p>\n He designed the Ka\u010dina Castle gardens and formal grounds of the estate.\u00a0<\/p>\n Jacquin made a name for himself by working on the Imperial Gardens at Sch\u00f6nbrunn Palace, where Empress Sisi of Austria resided.\u00a0<\/p>\n So, it\u2019s even more apt that this library featured in \u2018The Empress\u2019 <\/em>on Netflix!\u00a0<\/p>\n Speaking of botany, we (reluctantly) left the library to enter the Chotek Pharmacy next door.\u00a0<\/p>\n This room wasn\u2019t originally built for this purpose, however, the curators use the space for apothecary items recovered at the castle over the years.<\/p>\n A plethora of medicinal jars lined the shelves and old medical textbooks were on display.<\/p>\n There were weighing scales for measurements and all sorts of curious pharmaceutical equipment.<\/p>\n I particularly loved the bunches of dried herbs that lined the walls. They were real and made the room smell incredible.\u00a0<\/p>\n After the pharmacy, we strolled through the gardens to the opposite wing to visit the Ka\u010dina Castle Theatre.<\/p>\n The theatre was built in the Baroque style and was completed at the same time as the library.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Chotek Family were avid fans of performance art, and the Count even wrote plays to perform on this stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n They often hosted lavish parties at the ch\u00e2teau and invited nobility to watch their amateur performances.<\/p>\n Amazingly, all the original machinery and curtain still work today, so they still host Baroque performances throughout the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n We ended our tour at the unfinished chapel next door, and I loved every moment of my visit!\u00a0<\/p>\n It was so fascinating to visit the Ka\u010dina Castle library and learn the incredible history of the Chotek family.<\/p>\n After you finish your adventures inside Ka\u010dina Castle, I highly recommend a stroll around the formal gardens and extended grounds.<\/p>\n Although the castle is only located a few kilometres from Kutna Hora, the estate is such a peaceful place in the countryside.<\/p>\n There are plenty of walking\/cycling paths with lots of nature, wildlife and flowers to look out for and admire.<\/p>\n At a minimum, I recommend a loop around the castle to appreciate the grandeur of this Empire Style building.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s breathtaking, and the classical facades feel like you\u2019ve stepped back in time to another era.\u00a0<\/p>\n As the sun was shining on my visit, I sat on the benches and relaxed in the warmth.<\/p>\n I was happy to see that there was a caf\u00e9 at Ka\u010dina Castle, which was perfect for a pick-me-up.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Empir Caf\u00e9<\/em>had a lovely range of teas, coffee and cold drinks to purchase as well as ice creams and a selection of freshly baked cakes.<\/p>\n They had a cosy indoor setting and several seats outside to enjoy the warm weather.<\/p>\n The best part is you don\u2019t need to buy a ticket to visit the caf\u00e9. This can be visited as part of the castle gardens, which are free to enter.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a more substantial meal, Hostinec Na Huse<\/em> is a restaurant just outside the entrance serving traditional Czech meals.<\/p>\n Yes, this magical place is well worth a visit as it\u2019s arguably one of the prettiest libraries in all of Europe.\u00a0<\/p>\n Although it was a bit of a journey from Prague, this day trip was worth all the time and money spent.\u00a0<\/p>\n Being among books is my happy place, and finally visiting this castle was a dream come true for me.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ka\u010dina is also a hidden gem, so you can escape the crowds of Prague and Kuta Hora and enjoy some peace in nature.\u00a0<\/p>\n You simply must add Ka\u010dina Castle Library to your literary bucket list!<\/p>\n Ka\u010dina Castle is open to visitors from March to late October from 10 am \u2013 5 pm.\u00a0<\/p>\n They run several paid guided tours that allow you to explore different parts of the ch\u00e2teau.\u00a0<\/p>\n Always check the calendar to see what days tours are running, as it\u2019s not always every day of the week. In April, tours only ran on Sundays.<\/p>\n Castle Tours run every hour, and Library Tours run every two hours on an even number (10 am \/ 12 pm, etc).\u00a0<\/p>\n As there are fewer library tours and they limit the number of visitors per group, I recommend booking online to avoid disappointment.<\/p>\n The castle grounds are free to visit and open all year if you want to see the outside.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s a spectacular building and a great place to walk around for a few hours. Dogs on leads are welcome.<\/p>\n Beyond Ka\u010dina, there are plenty of incredible things to do in Kutna Hora on a day trip.\u00a0<\/p>\n Kutna Hora was one of my favourite places in Czechia as there is so much to see and do in this historic city.<\/p>\n Most people visit for Sedlec Ossuary<\/a>, a hauntingly beautiful and sacred space that is filled with over 40,000\u00a0real<\/em>\u00a0human bones.<\/p>\n After the Sedlec area, you should make your way over to St Barbara\u2019s Cathedral, the patron saint of miners.\u00a0<\/p>\n It was constructed in 1388 in the Gothic style and is another UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/p>\n Kutna Hora is known as the City of Silver due to the prosperous silver mines that you could find underground here.\u00a0<\/p>\n You can visit the Hr\u00e1dek Silver Museum to enter some of the underground tunnels and see the working conditions of procuring this precious metal.\u00a0<\/p>\n Right next door, you have the Jesuit College constructed in 1626, or you can visit the terrace balcony that has 13 statues of patron saints lining the way.\u00a0<\/p>\n Beyond the big UNESCO sites, there are lots of attractions to see, like the Gothic Stone Fountain, the Italian Court, Stone House, and the Historic Centre.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for somewhere traditional to eat, I would recommend the Da\u010dicky restaurant. It\u2019s a Bohemian tavern serving up traditional beer and food!\u00a0<\/p>\n 30+ Magical things to do in Prague<\/a><\/p>\n How to visit Prague\u2019s narrowest street<\/a><\/p>\n 4 Magical Prague Libraries you can visit<\/a><\/p>\n How to see the Prague Astronomical Clock & Walk of Apostles<\/a><\/p>\n A complete guide to the John Lennon Wall<\/a><\/p>\n Visiting the oldest Prague medieval tavern<\/a><\/p>\n How to visit the Klementinum Library in Prague<\/a><\/p>\n The secret Infinity Book Tower in Prague<\/a><\/p>\n How to visit the Strahov Library Prague<\/a><\/p>\n Dancing House Prague guide<\/a><\/p>\n Magical Cloak Bridge in \u010cesky Krumlov<\/a><\/p>\n Uncover the secrets of Prague\u2019s Golden Lane<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-16.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
Ka\u010dina Castle history<\/h2>\n
![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Czech-Republic-3-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nKa\u010dina Castle Library<\/h2>\n
![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-2-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-5.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe Empress on Netflix<\/h2>\n
![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-4-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to visit Ka\u010dina Castle Library<\/h2>\n
![\"directionsicon](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/directionsicon-min.png\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Czech-Republic-6-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow much are library tours?\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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![\"believeinmagic\"](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/believeinmagic.png\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-15-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nEntering Ka\u010dina Ch\u00e2teau<\/h2>\n
![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Czech-Republic-4-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Czech-Republic-5.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Czech-Republic-7-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Chotek](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Czech-Republic-8-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
Inside Chotek Library\u00a0<\/h2>\n
![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-17-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-8.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe Circular Hall\u00a0<\/h2>\n
![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-9-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-11.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe Map Room<\/h2>\n
![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-14-689x551.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-13.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-6.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nKa\u010dina Pharmacy\u00a0<\/h2>\n
![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Pharmacy-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Pharmacy-3-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Pharmacy-2.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nBaroque Theatre & Chapel\u00a0<\/h2>\n
![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Theatre-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Chapel-Czech-Republic-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nKa\u010dina gardens & wider grounds<\/h2>\n
![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Czech-Republic-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Czech-Republic-10-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nTea Rooms<\/h2>\n
![\"Kacina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Empir-Cafe-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
Is Ka\u010dina Castle worth visiting?<\/h2>\n
![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-3-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nOpening times<\/h2>\n
![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-12.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-10-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nMy top tips for your visit<\/h2>\n
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![\"Ka\u010dina](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kacina-Castle-Czech-Republic-2-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nLooking for more things to do in Kutna Hora?<\/h2>\n
![\"Sedlec](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sedlec-Ossuary-Kutna-Hora-Bone-Church-Czechia-32-689x551.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
![\"Kutna](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sedlec-Ossuary-Kutna-Hora-Bone-Church-Czechia-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
![\"Kutna](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sedlec-Ossuary-Kutna-Hora-Bone-Church-Czechia-5.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kutna](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sedlec-Ossuary-Kutna-Hora-Bone-Church-Czechia-6-689x517.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nRead more of my Czech Republic travel guides<\/h2>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Prague-Astronomical-Clock-4-1400x1050.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/thirdeyetraveller.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Visit-Kacina-Castle-Library-Czech-Republic-933x1400.jpg\" "\\"Ka\u010dina")
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