Gold Coin 5000 CZK Zvíkov Castle 2018 Proof

1/2 Oz Gold Coin - Zvíkov Castle

The obverse side of the coin is dominated by a fragment of a woodcut of the altar of the Lamentation of Christ, located in the St. Wenceslas Chapel in Zvíkov. In the upper part of the coin field there is a composition of heraldic animals from the large state emblem in the shields. The mark of the Czech Mint, which consists of a composition of the letters 'Č' and 'M', is placed at the bottom edge of the coin.

The reverse side of the coin features a composition of two early Gothic poured tiles with a griffin motif and a hunting scene at the top of the coin field. Between the tiles is a shield with a swan motif used by the Lords of Švamberk. In the middle of the coin field there is a collage of 4 castle buildings, from left to right there are the Hlíz Tower, Písek Gate, Hláska Tower and St. Wenceslas Chapel. To the left of the composition is the text "CASTLE" and to the right the text "ZVÍKOV". The year of mintage "2018" is placed under the Písek Gate. The initials of the author of the coin Luboš Charvát, which are formed by the interconnected letters "L" and "Ch", are located below the year of mintage.

The Zvíkov Castle is located above the confluence of the Otava and Vltava rivers at the Orlické Dam, near the village of Zvíkovské Podhradí in the South Bohemian Region. It has been a national cultural monument since 1950. Professor August Sedláček called it "the king of Czech castles" in his work. The castle is administered by the National Heritage Institute and is open to the public.

Zvíkov is a medieval castle that was already in use in the 12th century. This castle is considered to be very important. It has always housed two burghers.

The entrance to the castle is via a stone bridge from the 18th century, the Písek Gate. It is the southern entrance. The moat was artificially carved into the rock in the 15th century and was gradually modified. Eventually a stone bridge was built. It was originally fitted with a drawbridge. On the bridge there is a chapel of St. John of Nepomuk from the 18th century. The second, original entrance to the castle is the Iron Gate on the north side. It is set into the massive defensive walls. In the past it was closed with a heavy iron crest. In 1470 a new ridge was made and in 1710 it was removed. Next to it used to be the executioner's chamber and also the gatekeeper's chamber. Next to it is the Red Tower. It dates from the 13th century. It has a square plan.

The most famous monument of Zvíkov Castle is the Hlíza Tower - donjon. Its second name is Markomanka. This tower is the oldest part of the castle. This tower was the first object built in the castle and gradually towers, gates, fortifications and palaces were added to it. The Markomanka, in which Rarášek resides, has strange runic inscriptions. Ladislav Stroupežnický wrote and named a theatre play Zvíkovský rarášek based on this legend, which is still regularly performed in the castle courtyard in the summer months with many others.

This product is part of the following product sets:

Castles of the Czech Republic series