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THE MOST MYSTERIOUS CASTLE IN CZECHIA
Zbiroh Castle is a place where the paths of two secretive orders—the Knights Templar and the Freemasons—converge. Join us in exploring their rich legacy and uncovering the captivating secrets the castle holds.
Knights Templar
The Templars were a unique knightly order that combined military prowess with deep spirituality. Inspired by the Cistercian monastic rule, which emphasised humility, modesty, and communal living, their original mission was to protect pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land to visit the Tomb of Christ. Over time, they evolved into a powerful military force, defending Christian territories and the tomb itself.
In the 13th century, the mighty Czech King Ottokar II of Bohemia, who greatly valued the Templars for their military and economic expertise, owned Zbiroh Castle. He invited the Templar Order to Zbiroh and utilised their services to strengthen his kingdom. The Templars were renowned for their strong organization, financial acumen, and military and diplomatic skills, which contributed to the stability and expansion of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Ottokar II of Bohemia entrusted the Templars with significant tasks and the protection of strategic sites to enhance security and influence.
The Templar Treasures of Zbiroh Castle
During guided tours, visitors can view original Templar artefacts from this period. Among these are a 13th–14th century Templar sword and the Templar Rule of St. Bernard from the 12th century—the oldest known version of these codices used by the Templars to document their rituals and regulations. Also on display is a preserved 12th- century Templar seal and a unique bronze Templar token, which the Templars invented and used as a precursor to modern credit cards. The token featured a unique imprint that identified the owner and confirmed their wealth, enabling secure payments while travelling. This token became a symbol of their organization. The Templars also began accepting deposits from pilgrims and issued promissory notes redeemable at their branches throughout Europe and the Holy Land, making them one of the wealthiest and most powerful organizations of their time. Their financial system laid the groundwork for the development of modern banking.
The Order’s Headquarters
Today, Zbiroh Castle remains the main seat of the Templar Order. Members regularly gather here for secret meetings, ceremonies, and the induction of new knights. Among the notable figures knighted at Zbiroh are prominent personalities from European culture who have been welcomed into the Order at this historic site.
The castle’s mysterious atmosphere, hidden corners, and mystical heritage from the Templar era continue to attract visitors eager to uncover the history and secrets concealed within these ancient walls.
The Freemasons
Zbiroh Castle has long captivated the Freemasons, a mysterious international brotherhood with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It evolved from the medieval guilds of stonemasons and cathedral builders into a society that unites individuals from diverse professions and beliefs, all striving for moral and spiritual improvement as well as social progress. The Order is well-known for its rich symbolism and rituals, which are inspired by ancient mysteries.
The Masonic connection to Zbiroh Castle dates back to the Luxembourg dynasty. Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and the owner of Zbiroh Castle, along with his son King Wenceslas IV, founded the Order of the Hammer and the Ring, which is considered a precursor to the Freemasons. However, Zbiroh Castle‘s significance to Freemasonry peaked in the 20th century during the time of Alphonse Mucha. Mucha found inspiration for his ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity within Freemasonry and reflected these symbols in his artwork.
Grand Commander Alphonse Mucha
Alphonse Mucha was not just a masterful artist but also the Grand Commander of the Freemasons, serving as the highest representative of all Czechoslovak lodges. This influential role allowed him to make a significant impact on the cultural and social life of his time, as well as on the philosophical trends of his era. Mucha spent 18 years at Zbiroh Castle, where he created his most famous work, a cycle of 20 monumental canvases known as The Slav Epic. His paintings are infused with Masonic symbols and hidden references to the mystical rituals integral to Masonic philosophy.
Mucha and His Guests:
The Mysterious Ceremonies
Nestled among deep forests and shrouded in legends of the Templar Order, Zbiroh Castle exudes a mystical atmosphere that has also intrigued the Freemasons. Behind its secret chambers and hidden corridors, as well as Europe’s deepest rock well and the powerful earth energies emanating from below, Freemasons from around the world gathered at Zbiroh Castle during Mucha’s time. The castle hosted mystical ceremonies and secret rituals that are fundamental to Masonic tradition. Today, Masonic symbols can still be found at the castle in the form of paintings, engravings, and architectural details that refer to the brotherhood’s philosophy and its extraordinary connection to the energies of Zbiroh Castle.
Guided Tours
Zbiroh Castle holds many secrets within its ancient walls. Would you like to uncover some of them? Join a guided tour and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Templars and Freemasons, who have left a lasting mark on this place.
- Our standard tours include detailed commentary on the Templar past and the mysteries of the Freemasons.
- For groups, we can prepare special themed tours that delve even deeper into the unique history and mystique of this site.
Let yourself be drawn into the stories that Zbiroh Castle has to tell— but remember, some secrets may always remain hidden...
