Renaissance palaces of Jindrichuv Hradec Chateau / Renezancní paláce Jindrichohradeckého zámku - Renaissance Architecture on Waymarking.com

The vast complex of castle and palace buildings in Jindrichuv Hradec, gradually growing from 13th century, is the third largest monumental complex in the Czech Republic after Prague castle and the palace in Ceský Krumlov.

In the latter half of the 16th century, under reign of Adam II of Hradec, the Jindrichuv Hradec castle underwent a radical rebuilding to a representative chateau, after the example of the pretentious palaces of the Italian Renaissance.

The castle fortress thus became a luxurious residence that satisfied the most demanding requirements of a Renaissance nobleman. Under the management of Balthasar Maggi and a number of other Italian architects, Adam’s building and the Spanish wing were built in the third courtyard, and both these buildings were linked by great arcades. This grand reconstruction practically completed the architectural development of the complex. Adaptations made by later owners were only of a partial character and almost did not affect the Renaissance shape of the chateau.