The double chapel (Kaple sv. Erharda a Uršuly) is physically divided, with the ground floor intended for servants and the upper floor reserved for the nobility.
The Black Tower (Černá věž) is constructed from dark volcanic tuff, a material chosen for its durability and symbolic association with the region.
The castle served as the setting for the assassination of Albrecht von Wallenstein in 1634, an event that significantly altered the course of the Thirty Years' War.
The castle's defensive system includes an original moat and earthworks that date back to the medieval expansion of the complex.
The lapidarium displays a collection of tombstone fragments and architectural remnants recovered during the town's urban renewal.
Chebský hrad is the only Romanesque imperial castle complex in the Czech Republic, originating from the late 12th century. The site is anchored by the Black Tower, a structure built from volcanic tuff that has survived since the reign of Frederick Barbarossa. It features the rare two-story Romanesque Chapel of St. Erhard and St. Ursula, which uses a vertical spatial arrangement typical of imperial palatial chapels. The castle grounds house a museum focusing on local history and a lapidarium showcasing stone architectural elements. Defensive fortifications, including surviving sections of the wall and bastions, are integrated into the castle layout. It served as a significant administrative center for the Holy Roman Empire due to its strategic position on the border. The site provides views over the Ohře river and the surrounding historic city center.
From the base of the Black Tower looking up to capture the texture of the volcanic tuff against the sky.
Walk the ramparts for elevated views of the town's historical skyline.
Visit the lapidarium first to understand the architectural evolution of the masonry before walking the grounds.
Check the local municipal calendar, as the courtyard often hosts open-air cultural events and reenactments.
Do not overlook the lower floor of the double chapel, which many tourists skip while focusing only on the more ornate upper level.
Closed on Mondays during the off-season; grounds may close earlier than the museum exhibits.
Respect signage regarding restricted access to older stone masonry; wear comfortable footwear for uneven cobblestones.
