Sychrov Castle Silver Medal 2011 1 Oz PROOF

A rare harmony of buildings, interiors and gardens

The history of the castle dates back to the 15th century. Originally there was a fortress, later a manor stone house and at the end of the 17th century a small Baroque chateau. It was only in 1820 that the chateau's greatest architectural and artistic flowering, associated with the Rohan family, began. The Rohan family originally came from Brittany and was one of the ten most influential noble families in France. After the Great French Revolution, one of the branches of the Rohan family left France, moved to the Austrian monarchy and made Sychrov Castle their main residence.

The original dilapidated Baroque chateau was magnificently rebuilt by the first owner in the spirit of Empire. However, the building development continued and today's Neo-Gothic appearance dates back to the mid-19th century, to the time of Prince Kamil Rohan. Many Czech artists and craftsmen contributed to the high artistic value of the exteriors and interiors of the castle. Prince Rohan also paid great attention to the construction of the castle gardens and park. During this period, a rare harmony was achieved in all the exteriors of the buildings, the furnishings and decoration of the interiors, as well as the parks and gardens.

Today, extensive renovations and restorations are underway in the state-owned chateau with the aim of restoring the chateau to its mid-19th century neo-Gothic appearance.

On the obverse side of the medal, the castle is depicted from a bird's eye view. This makes the exterior elements and the vastness and articulation of the individual buildings stand out the most, as well as the two landmarks of the castle - the Breton and Austrian towers. The aerial view also makes it possible to capture part of the garden with the gazebo along with the castle. The text SYCHROV CASTLE appears in the description at the top of the medal.

On the reverse side, a part of the interior decoration, the ceiling of the princely salon from the north wing of the castle is depicted in low relief. The centrally placed coat of arms of the Rohan family, a divided shield, is held by two lions at the sides. Above the shield is the princely crown with a coat of arms.