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The Krivoklat castle belongs to the most interesting Czech royal castles. Its history is closely connected with the history of the Bohemian Kingdom. The earliest records about castle come from the 12th century and they speak of a hunting castle built by Premyslides. The records mention the "old" and the "new" castle. Where the old castle stood has not yet been clarified.
The castle was a favorite dwelling-place for Wenceslas I and his son Premysl Otakar II, who rebuilt the castle in the 13th century most probably into the present-day form. The newly built castle has a shape of a triangle, at the peak of which stands the upper castle - the Royal palace with upper courtyard, its dominant point is the round tower.
Future Caesar Charles IV, lived as a boy in Krivoklat up to his departure to France in 1323. His son Wenceslas IV, who was also brought up in Krivoklat, was a passionate hunter and loved the castle. He made some building adjustments and extended castle by several buildings. The present-day castle and the entrance tower named "Prochodita" (it means walk-through) was constructed in this time too.
In the 1st half of the 15th century, after Hussite troubles and alldestroyed fire in 1422, the castle fell forfeit to nobility (Ales of Stenberk), and was later bought back into royal hands by Jiri of Podebrady. The castle passed through the most changes and reconstructions during the reign of Vladislav II in the end of 15th century. The main attention was concentrated on the rebuilding and decorating of the upper castle and rebuilding the early Gothic chapel, built by the Premyslides. It was the last significant stage in the history of Krivoklat as a royal castle.
Habsburg family, except Rudolf II, didn't interest in Krivoklat so much. Castle became no more then a prison in the 16th century.

I will continue the story next time with another photo.