Nový Hrad: A Historic Castle Near Jimlín in the Czech Republic

Visitor Information

Google Rating: 4.6

Popularity: Medium

Google Maps: View on Google Maps

Official Website: www.zameknovyhrad.cz

Country: Czechia

Civilization: Medieval European

Remains: Military

History

Nový Hrad is a castle situated near the village of Jimlín in the Czech Republic. It was established in the 15th century by members of the Czech nobility. The foundation of the castle dates precisely to May 2, 1465, when King George of Poděbrady authorized Albrecht Bezdružický of Kolovrat to construct a fortified residence atop a hill overlooking the surrounding landscape. Construction took nearly a decade and was completed around 1474. Upon moving into the newly built castle, Albrecht’s family adopted the surname Novohradský, signifying the beginning of a new branch of the prominent Kolovrat family connected to this estate.

During the latter half of the 15th century and well into the 16th century, Nový Hrad served primarily as a noble home and local administrative center. By the mid-16th century, under the ownership of Jan Novohradský of Kolovrat, the estate had expanded to include twelve villages, indicating the castle’s role as the focal point of a considerable manorial domain. Ownership of Nový Hrad changed hands multiple times from the 16th century onward. It passed from the Kolovrat family to the Lobkowicz family in 1573 and then rapidly transferred again to Václav Franěk of Liběchov in 1575. Later, in 1588, the Vřesovci family acquired the estate.

The upheavals of the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), a devastating conflict with religious and political dimensions, deeply affected Nový Hrad. The castle and its lands were confiscated due to the owners’ political affiliations but were ultimately reclaimed by Volf Ilburk of Vřesovice, a Catholic relative, signaling the turbulent religious and dynastic struggles of the time. In 1630, ownership passed to Count Jan of Aldringen, a military leader who profited during the war. After his death four years later, the estate was bequeathed to the Premonstratensian monastery at Strahov, a religious institution that managed the property until financial difficulties led to its sale in 1651.

Following the monastery’s tenure, Prince Christian William of Hohenzollern acquired Nový Hrad. During the late 17th century, under the direction of Gustav Adolf of Varrensbach, who took ownership in 1670, the castle underwent significant Renaissance and Baroque renovations. These changes transformed it into a more representative noble residence, including the completion of the chapel dedicated to St. Joseph. The estate continued through several noble families over the 18th century, notably passing to the Löwenegg family before coming under the Schwarzenberg family’s possession in 1767. The Schwarzenbergs held Nový Hrad until its nationalization in 1947 under the Lex Schwarzenberg law.

Throughout the Napoleonic Wars, Nový Hrad was repurposed briefly as a military hospital, reflecting the castle’s strategic and supportive function during periods of conflict. In the following centuries, the site mainly supported agricultural and administrative activities but gradually suffered neglect and damage. Since 2012, management of Nový Hrad has fallen to the regional authorities of Ústecký kraj, with ongoing efforts to restore and preserve this historic monument while maintaining its cultural relevance.

Remains

Nový Hrad occupies a hilltop overlooking the Hasina stream near Jimlín, forming an extensive complex that integrates residential buildings and economic structures arranged around three courtyards. The castle’s original construction reflects a deliberate choice to establish a new fortified residence on previously undeveloped land. The central fortified core was accessible from the west through a gate that has since been sealed. Next to this entrance stands a prominent rectangular tower featuring beveled corners, which served as a defining feature of the castle’s medieval defenses.

The southern wing contains what was known as the “High Building,” the original palace section of the complex. The eastern wing housed living quarters notable for their richly decorated interiors. Surviving late 15th-century wall paintings found within this wing depict scenes of tournaments and combat, highlighting the martial culture and artistic tastes of the period. Additionally, early 16th-century murals discovered on the ground floor of the northern portion of the eastern wing appear to illustrate episodes from the life of Najhart, a legendary figure whose story was part of local lore.

Baroque influences are evident in the northern wing, which historically accommodated stables and also contained the castle chapel. The core structures were fortified by an earthen rampart faced with a stone wall, enhancing their defensive capability. Before the main facade lies a trapezoidal outer bailey, a courtyard enclosed within the broader fortification system.

One of the significant architectural additions from the Baroque remodeling is the chapel of St. Joseph, built between 1681 and 1682 under Gustav Adolf of Varrensbach’s ownership. This chapel features a polygonal apse and completes the transformation of the castle into a representative noble residence. The Baroque period also unified the castle exterior, giving consistent facades across the buildings. The interiors retain intricate stucco decorations and elaborately painted coffered ceilings in several halls, reflecting the decorative trends of the era.

The third courtyard’s main gate displays the coats of arms of the Varrensbach and Šlik families, dating from the 18th century, symbolizing the successive noble ownership during that time. Construction materials used throughout the castle include stone masonry typical of late Gothic and Renaissance fortifications, complemented in later phases by Baroque stucco work and ornamental details.

Today, the condition of Nový Hrad’s fabric varies. Some sections preserve original medieval and Renaissance elements, while many interiors experienced damage during their 19th and 20th-century agricultural reuse. Recent restoration efforts have stabilized key areas such as the chapel and the southern palace, and improvements have been made to courtyard surfaces. The site also includes a garden known as Barbořina zahrada, and visitors can access a tower viewpoint that offers a broad view of the surrounding landscape.