Sloup Castle is a rock castle in the municipality of Sloup v Čechách. It takes its name from the special appearance of the freestanding 35-metre high sandstone rocks (its name literally means 'column'), into which it was carved in the 14th century.

The castle was first mentioned in records dating from 1324 owned by Čeněk of Ojvína. It was established beside a salt trade route from Meissen to Česká Lípa by the Ronovec family. The edges of the outcrop, which was a level summit, were carved to resemble castle walls with loopholes, and some of the gullies in the outcrop were filled in with masonry. Thanks to an ingenious system of trenches it was possible to flood the area around the rocks. The combination of natural conditions and human ingenuity turned the castle into a fortress unassailable by medieval warriors.

During the 15th century, Knight Mikeš Pancíř of Smojno was based here and launched a raid on Lužice, and as a consequence the castle was besieged in 1445–45. When the starving troops capitulated after three months of isolation it was burned down by the end of 1447. The castle was repaired, but it gradually ceased to meet the desired standards of comfort, and during the 16th century it was deserted and became dilapidated.

In 1639, the Swedes burned it down, and the castle became a ruin. From 1670 to 1785 hermits were based here, making use of the rock for their needs. Among other things, they carved out new rooms and created recesses for the Stations of the Cross, built a chapel in the rock and formed a new entrance. Historical documents talk about several men: Konstantin was a bricklayer; Vaclav painted a solar clock on the wall; and an optician and gardener called Samuel grew corn on the plains around the castle, as well as wine on its southern terraces.

After the hermitage ceased to exist the state owners, the Kinsky family, turned the complex into a romantic tourist attraction. Little has been preserved of the original structure on the elevated plateau, although the spaces sunk into the rock can be clearly seen today like the dungeon, well, hermitage, passage and the terraced walkways. In the former prison, dungeon carvings have been preserved, which were dug out of the walls by former prisoners. Sloup has now become a romantic place for outings and occasionally candlelit concerts and historical jousting matches are held.

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Founded: 14th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Czech Republic

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

ewelina b-u (2 years ago)
Magic place:) Thats a real castle on and in the rock! We have visited that place on Oct 2022 so Autumn sights even increased the impression. The cost od the ticket for 2 adult and 1 dog i 220 CZK, and i think that is a good price, especially that you received a paper guide in your language for free!!
Jana N.K. (2 years ago)
Great place to visit. Be prepared to climb some stairs. Absolutely amazing views and a great little bit of local history. Children also loved it.
Mehri Avlyakulova (2 years ago)
An impressive rock castle built in the medieval period. It was totally worth a visit.
Darya Tarasowa (2 years ago)
I consider the price too high, but still worth visiting.
Jan Pochobradský (2 years ago)
Very charming? The parking lot is big enough and they charge 50 CZK/2h. It’s right underneath the castle so there is no hiking. Along the Parking lot are little Workshops with souveniers?️ The castle has multiple levels (in- and outside) and it’s well secured.? While we were there, there was some sort of fencing/acting show-the kids loved it? The whole castle is well maintained and we were nicely surprised (compared to Bezděz) We’ll definatelly visit again?✅
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