Baroquely Composed Landscape

Although Wallenstein was far from completing his construction plans at the time of his death, he and his architects managed to implement an ingenious geometric shape connecting buildings and natural landmarks in Jičín and the surrounding landscape.  The land between Veliš hill and the village of Valdice is to this day connected with a geometrically precise line, which has buildings placed on it.

Veliš castle was supposed to provide shelter and safety in case of danger. If plans of building a Franciscan monastery on the foothill had come to fruition, it would have provided religious sanctuary as well. Halfway along the line from Veliš to Valdice, Jičín Palace and St. James’ Church are located, serving as a locus of religion and politics. The centre of Jičín is connected to Wallenstein Loggia by a 2-kilometre-long linden alley, which highlights the whole shape. Loggia was meant to serve as place of informal meetings, distraction and entertainment. The axis is completed by a Carthusian monastery in Valdice, where Wallenstein planned to be laid to rest. Only a torso remains of Wallenstein’s grand construction plans. It gives us a lot of information, but also keeps a lot of its mysteries.