Trosky Castle is located on the summits of two basalt volcanic plugs. On the lower peak, 47 metres, is the two-storey structure called Baba (Crone), and on the higher outcrop, 57 metres, is the four-sided structure known as Panna (Maiden). The castle is a landmark of the Bohemian Paradise region.

The castle was established by Čeněk of Wartenberg in the second half of the 14th century. Two towers were constructed, one on top of each rock, and various residential buildings and outhouses were erected between them. Three rings of fortified walls protected the complex. After Čeněk's death the castle came into the possession of King Wenceslaus IV, from whom it was acquired by Otto III of Bergau. Though Otto IV of Bergau was a zealous Catholic, it did not stop him raiding the monastery in Opatovice and stealing its famous treasure, which he is said to have hidden in Trosky Castle, supposedly in an underground cellar blocked by a huge boulder. No one could move the boulder, which was eventually covered by scree, permanently cutting off the way to the precious objects.

During the Hussite Wars Trosky was a centre of the pro-Catholic sides. It is therefore not surprising that in all probability the castle was never completely conquered by the Hussites or any other enemies. As late as 1428, shortly after the castle burned down, it was under siege by Jan Královec, captain of the Taborites Army. From 1438 onwards the robber knight Kryštov Šov of Helfenburg and his companion Švejkar settled in it to tyrannize the villagers in the surrounding countryside, before the people of Görlitz and Zittau, members of the Lusatian League, banded together to capture them. Margareth of Bergau, the widow of the original owner Otto of Bergau, made Trosky into her residence by 1444. In 1468 the castle was property of William of Hasenburg who kept it until 1497. After that several noble families owned the castle, although its significance declined. In 1648, during the Thirty Years' War, it was burned down completely by the Imperial Army and left in ruins. In 1681 the enlightened Jesuit Bohuslav Balbín visited it; possibly the first documented example of a trip, the sole purpose of which was to research a historical site or area.

In the 19th century a greater degree of interest was shown and romantic modifications were made to the ruins of the castle. It was decided to create a staircase leading to the Panna tower. Work has begun in 1841–43, but was not completed.

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Troskovice, Czech Republic
See all sites in Troskovice

Details

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

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Viktor Mura (6 months ago)
it was a rare find during our roadtrip and this castle is very interesting and sitting on an unbelievable site the nearly 360° view is breathtaking
Lore Clauw (2 years ago)
Nice ruins of an old castle on top of a hill. About 10 minutes walk from the parking lot, you could enter without going on a tour. It takes about 45 minutes to see everything. With nice wide views from the battlements. I recommend going there if you're in the neighbourhood but don't go out of your way to visit.
Siewling Lay (2 years ago)
The entrance fee was not cheap so I was expecting more information and better infrastructure. Also you have to pay for parking. The castle was honestly more impressive from far and there were way too many people on a weekend. Maybe a weekday visit will be better.
R.A. (2 years ago)
Great views from up the tower. Quite a cool ruined Castle with a very cheap entry fee of only 140 or 120 crowns, cards are accepted which is nice since we had no cash on us.
Karolína Hrabovská (2 years ago)
Beautiful walk to place connected to history and lots of Czech legends. Make sure you have change for parking as you can only pay by cash. Spring 2022 was just 80CZK but still they don't accept cards. Family friendly walk I'd recommend to everyone
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