At the end of the 18th century, a classicist hunting chateau was built by Jan Vojtech Cernin of Chudenice Town, the highest kingdom hunter of Bohemia. The complex consists of a four-winged residential building with a valuable decorations and rococo murals of Anthony Tuvora, chateau theatre and chapel, servant quarters, stables, and a riding school. The Kozel (Goat) Chateau is the most visited monument in Western Bohemia. The place is located just a few miles south of Pilsen near Stahlavy Village. The name of the chateau has its roots in the ancient pagan tradition of the Slavs. It was here, in this area, where Czech ancestors sacrificed at the time of the Equinox a goat to reconcile the Gods and prayed for a good harvest. The Kozel Chateau itself can surprise visitors by the simplicity. There are two main reasons for it. The builder of the chateau was influenced by the thoughts of French philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau, proclaiming a return to nature and it was built to serve as a rural mansion for the nobility. During the tour, visitors can admire the original furniture, which creates an impression that they are two centuries back. The theatre was originally a stable built for the most popular horses of the founder of the chateau. In the first half of the 19th century, the new owner Valdstejn had it rebuilt for the fun of his children at the chateau theatre, which today belongs to a few preserved theatres of that time. The Chateau Chapel today serves as a concert and wedding hall. It is possible to order a civil and religious wedding there. Surrounding the chateau there is a 40 hectares far-reaching natural landscape park, which is sometimes compared to Schoenbrunn, Vienna. There is a possibility to sail on boats on a pond. The Kozel Chateau offers many cultural events throughout the year.

For more information about the Pilsen Region where this place is located click here.