Hitlerjugend shloss podiebrad

[CARL]

Nestled on the bank of the River Labe, 50 kilometres east of Prague, lies the pretty spa town Poděbrady (German - Podiebrad). It is the birthplace of the recently deceased Václav Havel, the first democratic president of the Czech Republic, and also of Miloš Forman, the talented filmmaker whose credits include "Amadeus" and "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest".

Below are some images of the castle, Schloss Podiebrad, which was used during the Nazi occupation of Bohemia and Moravia as a base for the Hitler Youth. Walking up the driveway towards the entrance, one cannot help but imagine the long HJ banners gently fluttering in the breeze coming off the Labe. Once inside the outer walls, the courtyard opens up with a lone tower standing guard over the castle below. Inside the main building are several large rooms, which today house a museum that focuses on the middle ages rather than the '39-'45 period. Descending a narrow stairwell, one reaches a dank room in the basement that houses the remains of a 1,000 year old boat.

Images...

Main Gate and driveway, Entrance and exterior views, Courtyard views, Interior hall and remains of the boat in the basement.

Regards,

Carl

[HJ-Collector]

nice pics! thanks for posting

[bigmacglenn]

Thanks for sharing! I can easily picture the scene as well, and imagine the sound of commands and heels clicking in that courtyard...!

[CARL]

You're most welcome gents, glad you enjoy it!

Regards,

Carl