History, guarding ghost
Ghost of Squire Olt
Not too much is known about history of Oltyne but how its name came into existence is familiar to each village child. It is not so common that village has own guarding ghost who is at the same moment its founder – which is true of Oltyně. Squire Olt, though historically unrecorded but present at various local legends, probably liked this place so much that he keeps ward over luck of Oltyně long after his death.
According to the most widespread version of old legend, Squire Olt came to local deep forests together with group accompanying King Přemysl Otakar I. who arrived here for hunting. King’s suite lay down on the top of the hill under age-old maple tree and sent out scouts far and near to locate the game. Squire Olt was among them. As he was riding hither and yonder, he happened on old hart. He fell to haunt him and soon he noticed he got lost. In vain he winded his horn the agreed sound. Only deadly silence returned in response. However, Olt did not despaired. He built up shelter using saplings and wattle, decided to keep till his saviours would arrive.
Indeed, in some days he was found and that shelter served as basis of new village named after him. In the course of time it took the name Oltova Ves (Olt’s Village) and later on in changed to Oltyně.
From time to time Squire Olt appears in Oltyně to keep ward over fortune and peace of citizens.
From time to time Squire Olt appears in Oltyně to keep ward over fortune and peace of citizens.
History
Extant information document that Oltyně belonged to Castle Příběnice in old times and first references come from the year 1378.
In the first half of 16th century Oltyně was already stated in the list of buildings of Bechyně. In 1551 Oltyně was bought by Jindřich Hozlauer from Hozlau and his son Kryštof let build the fortress in 1560.
In 1635 the manor was acquired by Jan Kryštof Naychyger from Oberneychynk and bound with his other property in Stádlec. The last remark about the fortress is from the year 1790.
The manor of Oltyně was separated again in 1859 from the Stádlec property and became self-dependent. Josef Fellner from Feldegg, those days owner of the manor, constructed the neo-renaissance chateau standing up to the present day in the middle of English park.
Original rectangular building was partly wooden. Later on the right wing was annexed.
After the wedding of Anna Fellner from Feldegg with Jan Křižík, son of Ing. František Křižík, the chateau becomes possession of Křižík family.
At the turn of the thirties the chateau was used as English girl’s college. English maids studied here Slavonic habits and grew into real ladies.
The interior of the chateau was formerly decorated by rich collection of weapons and armour and also great selection of more than two thousand birds from the whole world.
After settling of restitution matters in 2000 and assignment of the property share owned by Jan Křižík from Massachusetts, Oltyně chateau became property of Czecho-American Jiří Bárta, great-great-grandson of electrical engineer and inventor František Křižík.
In autumn 2006 Mr. and Mrs. Bárta decided to leave the chateau which was mainly reconstructed.
In present time the chateau Oltyně is governed by agency Top Lady, s.r.o. The chateau will step by step function as relaxing, cultural and educational centre with possibility of accommodation in mansion apartments.
