The Loket Castle

Originally a Romanesque royal castle was founded in the 3rd quarter of the 12th century during the reign of King Vladislav II probably as a foothold of royal power. Since then underwent a number of con- struction work. In the second half of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century the austere castle architec- ture changed into a representative family residence built in the spirit of late Gothic and the emerging Renaissance. Since 1602 when the town became the owner of the castle its decline began. In 1797-1822 it was rebuilt into a state prison (in operation until 1948). Since 1992 the castle has been the property of the town Loket.