The castle of Konopiště was founded at the end of the 13th century, probably by the bishop Tobias of Benešov. It was built as a Gothic fortress copying the design of French castels.First building alterations were ordered by George of Šternberk at the end of the 15th century, and later by Hodějovští of Hodějov in the 17th century. In the 18th century, Vrtbové of Vrtba converted the castle into a Baroque palace. Francis Ferdinand d’Este, who bought it in 1887, had it rebuilt into a grand emperor’s residence.

Majestátní kamenné sídlo stojí na skalnatém ostrohu nad řekou Sázavou už téměř 780 let. V jeho zdech se vystřídalo na 20 generací rodu Sternbergů. Během prohlídky se návštěvníci seznámí s příběhy zejména posledních majitelů a způsobem jejich života. Přístupná je i jižní předsunutá bašta hradu, zvaná „hladomorna“, která byla součástí důmyslného opevňovacího systému.

The monastery was founded by Prince Ulrich and the hermit Procopius in 1023. It houses an exhibition called “Old-Slavic Sázava”. The tour includes the Baroque Refectory and the Chapter-house with murals dating back to the 14^th century. You can visit the Baroque church dedicated to St. Procopius and see the underground crypt. There are uncovered foundations of the

Holy Cross Church from the 11^th century in the northern monastery garden.

In 1720, Frantisek Adam Trauttmansdorff entrusted the renowned Czech architect F. M. Kanka with the construction of a château corresponding to his social status, that of a prominent member of the aristocracy. The château is a typical seat of a nobleman from the height of the Baroque period, decorated by prominent artists such as M. B. Braun, V. V. Reiner and F. A. Scheffler.