Vysoký Chlumec Castle
A landmark of the Sedlčany region – not open to the public.
The advancement of military technology eventually made even massive fortifications and drawbridges obsolete, prompting castles to be rebuilt into more comfortable residences – châteaux. Plans were made to convert Vysoký Chlumec as well, but the project was abandoned. In 1678, builder Antonio Porta managed only to construct the western outer ward with an early Baroque gate and bridge where the original Gothic drawbridge had stood.
One of the later owners of the estate was Ferdinand Philipp of Lobkowicz, who never visited the estate and left it in the care of officials. Their poor administration led to peasant uprisings and intervention by the Austrian government, which appointed his nephew August as administrator. August managed the estate commendably, including on behalf of the minor heir Josef Franz Maximilian.
In 1992, the castle was returned to the Lobkowicz family. Since 1998, it has been the residence of its new owner, Riprand, Count von und zu Arco-Zinneberg. The Arco-Zinneberg couple has been actively involved in community life in Vysoký Chlumec – providing financial and material support to the local elementary school and co-founding the Patronát Sedlčansko Foundation in early 2001. Riprand chairs the foundation, and the board includes his wife Maria Beatrice, mayor Ing. Jiří Burian, priest Stanislav Zápotocký, architect Ing. Michal Ibl, lawyer JUDr. Krylová, and Mr. Bláha. The founding meeting was held in March 2001 at the Forest Administration building. The foundation focuses on restoring cultural monuments in the Sedlčany region.
