The château was built by Count Josef Kinský between 1826 and 1829 to serve as a modern family residence.
It is one of the few Czech aristocratic homes that was returned to its original owners after the Velvet Revolution.
The interior contains a library with approximately 15,000 volumes, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
The architecture reflects the transition from classicism to the Empire style, emphasizing symmetry and light-filled living spaces.
The English-style park surrounding the building features several rare species of exotic trees.
The Kinský family still resides in a portion of the building not open to the public.
The main assembly hall, known as the Hall of Mirrors, is still used for chamber music concerts and formal gatherings.
The New Château in Kostelec nad Orlicí is a prime example of Empire-style architecture in the Czech Republic, designed by architect Jindřich Koch and completed in 1829. Built for the Kinský noble family, the estate remains under their private ownership and management today. The interior preserves original 19th-century furnishings, including authentic wall paintings and a notable collection of portraits. The structure sits within an extensive English-style landscape park covering approximately 40 hectares. Visitors can explore the main exhibition which showcases the lifestyle and art collection of the Kinský dynasty. The palace frequently hosts cultural events, concerts, and temporary exhibitions in its grand hall. The estate functions as a living residence and a cultural site rather than a state-owned museum.
The main courtyard terrace looking back toward the neoclassical facade of the château.
Check the official website for scheduled concerts or wedding events that might restrict access to certain rooms.
Spend time walking through the park trails beyond the immediate perimeter of the building.
The on-site cafe serves refreshments that are a popular conclusion to a guided tour.
Do not attempt to enter private sections of the park or house that are marked as restricted, as the family still occupies part of the estate.
Closed on Mondays throughout the main season; largely limited to weekends or pre-booked tours during the winter months.
Visitors are expected to use shoe covers provided at the entrance to protect historic flooring; photography inside the private living quarters is typically restricted.
