Orlík Castle, Reservoir and Park

Orlík Castle (Orlík nad Vltavou) is a historic castle in the Czech Republic, situated on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River (now the Orlík Reservoir). The castle's origins date back to the 13th century, originally built as a Gothic fortress to protect trade routes and the river crossing. Over the centuries, it underwent various architectural changes, adopting Renaissance and Neo-Gothic elements. Orlík Castle was historically associated with the noble Schwarzenberg family, who owned it for centuries. The castle's appearance changed significantly in the 20th century when the construction of the Orlík Dam caused the water level to rise, making the castle appear closer to the water rather than towering high above it.