The majestic Střekov Castle stands atop a black rock rising a hundred meters above the Elbe River. It looks back on a long history in which folk legends intertwine with historical facts. The first mentions of the castle date back to 1319, when construction began on the orders of King John of Luxembourg. Originally, the castle served as a guard and customs post. Hanuš Glac, a wealthy citizen from the nearby town of Krupka who owned tin mines, was responsible for its completion in the 15th century. In the 16th century, the castle passed into the possession of the Lobkowicz family. Střekov enchanted many artists, including Karel Hynek Mácha, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Karl May. Richard Wagner drew inspiration from it for a poem that later served as the basis for the libretto of the famous opera “Tannhäuser.” A single visit is enough, and you too will be captivated by the castle. Preserved stone walls alternate with crumbling fortifications, whose outlines alone hint at how majestic this structure once was. It was built to protect the Elbe trade route. Among the best-preserved parts of the castle are the Knights’ Hall, the Tower Palace, and the original chapel. The ground floor of the Great House now houses exhibition spaces.