Melnik
The first name of this fortress was Psov. The fortress was founded at the confluence of the rivers Elbe and Vltava to the north of Prague. It was originally wooden, and at the end of tenth century it was replaced by stone. Since those times, only the tower which is located in the western wing of the palace has been preserved. The last wife of Charles IV ordered a chapel to be built, which was sanctified in honour of saint Ludwig. In the 15th century, Gothic rebuilding took place, and at the same time, a water fortress gate was built. The Melnice part of Lobkovic dynasty owned the palace Melnik from 1753 to 1948. In 1992 the castle was returned to the heir of this noble family. Internal chambers of the palace conceal countless riches. Visitors can see an art exhibition from the Baroque epoque, historic interiors from the Melnik and Gorzin collection of Lobkovic family, hunting trophies, a Czech glass collection, and a special exhibition dedicated to wine-making. The castle is surrounded by fabulous vineyards. Nowadays a special kind of wine “Ludmila” in honor of Saint Ludmila is bottled here.