The castle in Dobříš in Příbram district attracts visitors with its restored park featuring an orangery

Dobříš Castle in the Příbram region is attracting visitors with its renovated park featuring an orangery and a restored outdoor illusionistic painting, which received an award from the National Heritage Institute last autumn. However, the long-term reconstruction of the castle complex does not end there. In September, workers will begin restoring the garden's centerpiece, the fountain "Horse Watering" by František Ignác Platter, the castle's director Pavel Krejcárek told reporters today.

The repair of the orangery was the culmination of a long-term restoration of the complex. From 2017 to 2021, workers gradually reconstructed the two-hectare French garden, including terraces, water features, and sculptural decorations. "At the moment, it is repaired. I'm not saying that nothing else will be needed, because the work is so extensive that we repair something every year. But the main part is finished," said Krejcárek.

An exceptional feature of the orangery, which measures 90 meters and is among the largest historical buildings of its kind in the Czech Republic, is its northern façade, according to the castle director. Instead of classical architectural division, it creates a painterly illusion of architecture. "It is the largest outdoor illusionistic wall painting in Central Europe. It is a magnificent work, and this year we are presenting it in cooperation with both the heritage institute and the Ministry of Culture," said Krejcárek.

The painting depicting views into gardens with palaces and fountains has survived into the early 20th century, then underwent restorations in the 1930s and 1970s. Due to inappropriate technologies, it gradually fell into disrepair. The turnaround only occurred recently when the painting was completely restored based on detailed photographic documentation and historical sources. It is now executed using modern silicate technology, which ensures longevity.

The orangery used to grow citrus fruits. Now it features several permanent exhibitions focused on nature, the history of castle gardening, the work of sculptor František Ignác Platter, and creations by the author of the cartoon character Mole, Zdeněk Miler, and his wife Emilie.

The costs of the reconstruction of the park, including the orangery, retaining walls, paths, irrigation system, and sculptural decorations amounted to 99 million crowns. Most of the costs were covered by an EU grant. The northern wall of the orangery has regained its original form and has once again become a dominant feature of the garden complex.

According to Krejcárek, work on the restoration of the complex will continue with the restoration of the fountain from the second half of the 18th century. "We will be doing some pre-conservation work to ensure that the fountain remains in perfect condition for the next ten years," Krejcárek stated. He added that further work will also concern the castle building, where workers need to restore the lower levels of the slate roofing. "Unfortunately, we also encountered poor statics there, so this is something that will accompany us for the next three, four, or five years," he added.

The Rococo castle with a distinctive façade was originally in the hands of the Colloredo-Mannsfeld family, and after World War II, it became state cultural property and was used as a Writers' Home. It is currently once again owned by the Colloredo-Mannsfeld family and is accessible to the public. The castle also includes a hotel.