Vartenberk Castle, Stráž pod Ralskem, Czech Republic

In the 13th century, the Gothic Vartenberk castle was built on the site of a guard castle to protect the Zittau Záhvožď trade route. The founder of the castle was probably Markvart of Březno.

In 1563 the castle was rebuilt as a Renaissance chateau which was visited even by Emperor Franz Joseph I. in 1865. In modern history, the chateau served as accommodation for holidaymakers, however, later on it was devastated by the Soviet army and on September 11 1987, it burned down.The chateau has not been fully repaired yet and isn’t accessible to the public. On the opposite side of Zámecký vrch hill there stands the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk, which is connected to the chateau by linden alley. At the highest point of Zámecký vrch hill used to stand a cross. A Baroque sculpture of St. Norbert of Xanten and a Marian column with two angels by K. Steyer can be found below the castle. On the railings there are sculptures of four saints from 1726.

References:

cesky-raj.info

User Reviews

Adam Hladík (11 months ago)
A beautiful repaired lock, I recommend it at least for a photo.

Petra C. (2 years ago)
We only saw the castle from the outside. It is being repaired after being devastated by the Soviet army and after a fire in 1987.

Pietro Traveler (2 years ago)
Just from the outside. It looks great

Marie Vondrová Hotmarová (3 years ago)
The facade of the castle has been repaired, the Holy Sepulchre, the chapel of St. John of Nepomuck, beautiful, a walk, I recommend adding a walk through the town of Stráž pod Ralskem, there are many beautiful statues and the Horka pond

Petra Adamcova (5 years ago)
Ok

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Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

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