Doudleby nad Orlicí Castle is one of the most visually striking Renaissance castles in Bohemia, and its secret weapon is its extraordinary 'carpet sgraffito' — an ornamental decoration that covers not just the outer walls but also the courtyard walls and even the chimneys. It is a genuine rarity in Central Europe and makes every corner of the building feel like a work of art.

Nestled in the quiet village of Doudleby nad Orlicí in the Podorlicko region, close to the Orlické Mountains, the castle has a wonderfully intimate character. The four-winged building wraps around a courtyard lined with Renaissance arcades on Tuscan columns, while the interiors preserve early Baroque stucco decorations, painted ceilings and a remarkable tiled stove from 1690. The atmosphere is genuinely timeless — the kind of place where history feels lived-in rather than museum-like. It looks beautiful in summer when the sgraffito catches the light, and equally atmospheric on a crisp autumn day.

• Doudleby nad Orlicí is approximately 8 km from Rychnov nad Kněžnou — drive via road no. 11, parking is available directly in the village near the castle.
• Bus connections run from Rychnov nad Kněžnou and Žamberk — check timetables at IDOS.cz.

• The castle is open to visitors — check current opening hours before your visit.
• It remains in private ownership, managed by the Bubna-Litic family following restitution after 1989.
• The castle has served as a film location, including 'Bathory' (2008) and 'Krakonošovo tajemství' (2022).

Here is a remarkable story: in the 1950s the castle was actually scheduled for demolition. The committee sent to confirm the decision discovered the original sgraffito hidden beneath newer plaster — and immediately reversed the verdict. That layer of plaster quite literally saved the castle.