What at first glance appears to be just one of the plethora of chateaux in the Central Bohemian Region reveals many surprises upon closer inspection. Romantic nooks, beautiful gardens and a moat are expected and found. But take a good look around and inside you’ll find yourself in a gallery of modern art. Come with us and explore Třebešice, where the historical backdrop of the local chateau has become an exhibition space for contemporary artists.
Třebešice by Kutná Hora Chateau | Photo: Czech Film Commission
The history of Třebešice Chateau dates back to the beginning of the 14th century when a water fortress was built here. Most of the three-winged building around the square courtyard, the arcade, and the two small towers date from the mid-16th century. In the 18th century, the chateau was rebuilt in the late Baroque style, and a large stone four-storey granary with wooden floors was added. Most of the farm’s other buildings date from the middle of the 19th century, such as the old stables with low-ceilinged brick cellars (now partially demolished), as well as the barn measuring 80 x 15 meters, one of the largest and most beautiful in Bohemia.
The twentieth century took its toll on Třebešice, like most historical monuments in former Czechoslovakia. Dr. Vojtěch Vraný, who ran a farm here for many years, carried out a major reconstruction of the neglected chateau in 1924. The Gestapo later occupied the chateau, followed by the communist nationalization. During this period, a local agricultural cooperative settled on the site and built new stables for cattle nearby. The historical farm buildings were left to their fate. The backfilling of the moat caused a major disruption of statics, and radical reconstruction in the 1970s damaged some historical elements of the chateau.
In 2000, the current Italian owners bought the chateau, enchanted by the space and its surroundings. “The surroundings of the chateau are beautiful, quiet, and yet easily accessible from Prague. Maybe because Italian artisans worked on the construction of the chateau, we feel very much at home here and decided to stay. We are also happy to welcome filmmakers here.”
The goal of the owners is to enable young artists to create permanent installations in the chateau and outbuildings to give the old buildings new meaning and significance. At the same time, they are gradually renovating the extensive gardens and reconstructing the chateau itself. Architect and construction developer Alberto di Stefano and visual artist Eugenio Percossi have done a lot of work and even more lies ahead of them.
Třebešice Chateau currently offers accommodation in five original suites. Each of them features sculptures and installations left here by contemporary artists during their stays. For example, in one of them, the decor is entirely in shades of white, grey and black, giving the feeling of a black and white film. Other works of art await you in the gardens and barn.
Every film director has their specific requirements, so we asked about using the almost 80 sculptures and installations in audiovisual works. For filming, works of art can be professionally removed from the premises or covered. If you are interested in leaving the artworks in place, you can easily arrange for their use.
Martina Kuncová from the Central Bohemian Film Office loves the atmosphere of the chateau: “It’s truly a unique place. The historical chateau, the contemporary works of art, the beautiful gardens… Třebešice is definitely worth a visit and the attention of filmmakers, who will also find plenty of space for facilities as well as a large car park.”
Whether your film’s protagonist is a prince strolling through the chateau gardens or a wealthy businessman staying in an extravagant suite, Třebešice will surely make an impression on viewers on the big screen.
Contact for filming in the Central Bohemian Region:
Martina Kuncová, martina.kuncova@strednicechyfilm.cz, +420 724 139 119