The foundations of the present-day chateau in the town of Sokolov were laid by the Šlik family in 1480. They rebuilt an old water stronghold into a castle with a rectangular ground plan and four towers. In the 17th century, when the castle was in the possession of its subsequent owners, the Nostitz family, it was converted into a Renaissance chateau and Baroque features were added later. In the early 19th century, the chateau was reconstructed in Classicist style. After World War II, the chateau served for the purposes of the Czechoslovak army for many years. An extensive reconstruction took place between the years 1993 and 1994. Today, it houses the town library and museum.

A permanent museum exposition is located in 11 rooms on the first floor of the chateau. It describes the history of the region, mining and associated production. Among the exhibits, you may find minerals along with specimens of fauna and flora from the region, as well as various porcelain items, musical instruments and many other interesting items.

http://zivykraj.cz/