The area, where Ronov-castle was established, belonged till 12th century to Doksany Monastery. So, first notice about Ronov is of 1384, when brothers Anselm and Predbor of Ronov are mentioned. It is to be assumed that Ronov was found sometimes in the third quarter of 14th century. The castle was consequently in possession of Berka of Dubá Parentage, later was handed over into property of warlike Knight William of Illburg (he partecipated, together with Wartenbergs, on struggles against Lusatian Six-Towns). Illburg Parentage possessed the castle till 16th century. Afterthat, the noble seat was transferred from uncomfortable Ronov to renovated Stvolín stronghold, and the castle was deserted. Nevertheless, after 1608, the castle is mentioned as completely deserted.

In the course of 30-years´ war, the castle became a refuge place of neighbouring people. From this reason did not missed the attention of Swedish troops. They invaded and burnt out the castle in 1643. In 1811, a part of lodging house of south-west part collapsed, and destruction of castle was so speeded up. In 1845, its owner, Augustin Hille, Bishop of Litoměřice, made Cross Way up to the castle, with its termination at a cross, erected on place of former castle palace. This space was arranged in 1891, and a small wooden house was built here. However, all this was destructed later.

The ruin of Ronov-castle is in relatively good preserved condition. The original castle-building was formed with inhabited tower on top-rock only. Its today´s face is a remainder of William of Illburg rebuilding of second quarter of 15th century. After this reconstruction, the castle disposed of perfect defending system, involving not only towers and fortifications but also inhabited buildings. The castle-entrance was from south-east part, through first gate, situated in front of the rampart. The position of entry-tower forced eventuel aggressors to go round along its circumference. Anyway, its essential rests were preserved till now. From here, the way led to triangle formed barbican. In its south corner, there was located big building of rectangular ground floor. It was dwelling house with loopholes in ground-floor and a door towards the barbican. On first floor of this building, there were located two rooms. In south room, there are preserved distinct prints in walls, after inserted inside wooden blockhouse. On the other hand, in north room, there is placed a door, leading for balcony. This balcony was bound to all outer belt of fortification.

The inside castle was divided from barbican by means of transverse wall, and the entrance was through small gate on east. In the middle, there was a palace on the rock, however, only small rests remained till now. Inside castle had two bastions more running out from ramparts to northwest and eastern part. In southeast corner, there was situated another four-cornered dwelling tower, running out from ramparts as well, in order the active defence of castle could be secured. The rests of caves and rests of another dwelling building remained preserved.

The excursion to Ronov is really worth to be done. From a top, you can enjoy unique round view to the mountains and hills, such as Ještěd, Ralsko, Vlhošť, Bezděz, Říp, Sedlo, Milešovka and Házmburk. Nevertheless, even night spending in the castle cannot be missed. There are ideal conditions here. In calm place, among walls, there is fireplace, and supply of wood is quite sufficient. Nevertheless, attention: Ronov is protected as nature monument since 1995 (surface of 9 ha). As a protection subject there are to be declared forest overgrown, including calorifacient fauna and flora.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Google, Google Earth