Tycho Brahe’s Alchemical Laboratory

In 1599 the celebrated Danish astronomer, alchemist and Rosicrucian Tycho Brahe stayed at the local château at the invitation of Emperor Rudolf II. The ruler offered him several of his châteaux near Prague. Brahe chose Benátky because its position was favourable for observing the stars. He began building an observatory and an alchemical workshop here. That same year, he sent the emperor an elixir against the plague from it. He also corresponded with Rudolf II about producing the so-called “pearl tincture”. For his observations, he also visited the neighbouring fortified manors of Hrušov and Jiřice. He met J. Kepler here too, who arrived at his invitation in early February 1600. The château museum now has a period-furnished Tycho Brahe room with mementoes of the famous astronomer’s stay.