A Renaissance Pub Endures

Most visitors don't venture far enough into the castle grounds to experience this place during the day or night. That's their loss, for one of the finest dining experiences in the Czech Republic is offered at Krcma Markéta, Zámek 62 (tel. 775-155-504).

To get here, walk all the way up the hill through the castle, past the Horní Hrad (Upper Castle) and past the Zámecké divadlo (Castle Theater). Walk through the raised walkway and into the Zámecká zahrada (Castle Garden), where you'll eventually find this Renaissance pub.

When you go inside, you'll feel as if you've left this century. A relatively recent change in ownership has brought in "modern" conveniences like real sets of plates as opposed to the original wooden blocks on which food used to be served; and there is even a menu now, but the atmosphere is still wonderfully unique. Take a peek at the fire to see what's roasting; usually there're a wide variety of meats, including succulent pork cutlets, rabbit, chickens, and pork knees, a Czech delicacy. Before the night is over, you'll probably find yourself talking to someone else at the pub's large wooden tables.

Krcma Markéta is open year round, Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 9pm, and main courses cost 120Kc to 250Kc.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.