Duchy of Friedland

Establishment of the principality then the duchy followed the rise to power of Albrecht von Wallenstein, a military leader in the service of the House of Habsburg during the Thirty Years' War.

At this time, he owned 49 dominions in eastern and northern part of Bohemia, which grew in 1624 to 64, and on 12 March 1624, Emperor Ferdinand II declared the area as Principality of Friedland.

Near Jičín, a large park was established - remains of which survive through current day.

Throughout the duchy, Wallenstein's financier Hans de Witte set up and controlled silver, copper, and lead mines, iron forges, armament factories, and river Labe transportation system, all geared up to supply warlord's forces.

After Wallenstein's death in 1634, most of the duchy was given to Count Matthias Gallas and its independent status was annulled.

Wallenstein's coat of arms as Duke of Friedland.
Generalissimus Albrecht von Wallenstein
Jičín , Wallenstein's square - toward the right is the unfinished bishop's church and the rightmost building is the front part of ducal palace, rebuilt after Wallenstein's death