Šaunštejn - Czech republic
Castles
Šaunštejn
Insignificant rests of rock castle of Sauenstein, known also as Robbery Castle, are situated on powerful sandstone rock, not far from the community of Vysoká Lípa.
Historical sources do not present, however, much information about the castle, so there are disputes regarding the time of its foundation. According to the opinion of some historians, this 
wooden castle was established on top position of this rock, at the beginning of 14th century, some scientists are of different opinion, that all this could happen at the end of 14th or at the beginning of 15th centuries. Anyway, first written notice comes from 1430-1440. As its owners, there are mentioned Berka of Dubá Parentage and Wartenberg Parentage. They used it as a base during their war with Lusatians in 1444. It is true that the castle resisted its storm, anyway, it was conquested later by troops from Prague and Litoměřice region.
According to several news, Šaunštejn served as guardian castle along Bohemian way, where 
the merchants were travelling from Saxonia to Bohemia. Last preserved news comes from end of 15th century, later the castle was known as deserted. Within 30-years´war, the castle became (according to the legend) a refuge of rapacious gangs and military deserters. So, only non-expressive rests, engraved into a rock, remained. Engraved hollow on slope of rocky-block served probably as lodge or relax-place for horses, on a top of dredged base for wooden tower, and 3 m deep cistern served as dungeon.
Despite the fact that only small rests remained from the castle till now, it is very popular holiday relax place now. Frankly speaking, the mounting upstairs is not too easy, the stages are 
engraved on the rock, but they are quite narrow in a place of rock-cleft, (you are mounting to the top) are quite well-trodden. So, on this place, where the railings, owing to lack of space, are missing (which could you make the mounting more easier). So, in its final stage, you mount, using ladders, just on the top, where the rocky-block is divided with cracks into four parts, connected by small bridges. Nevertheless, there is marvellous view around from top base. On left side, you can see Jetřichovice Rocks, including dominating Mary´s Rock and view-altan, in front of you, Růžovský Hill can be watched, and on right side, you see Větrovec Hill. Back, on horizon, you see mountain-panorama o
f Saxonian part of National park. Šaunštejn has its special magic in the evening, when the sun inclines to the west, so this place could be an ideal point to take an overnight here.
How to get Šaunštejn? The easiest way is from the community of Vysoká Lípa. You follow yellow signed tourist trail passing forest - edge, and you reach soon crossroads near to the castle. From here, you continue 1 km distance, following red signed tourist trail, up to Malá Pravčická brána (Small Pravčice Gate). Along the way, you can enjoy marvellous view of castle environs. Excellent views, crossing small bridges, (each of rocky-blockes are well secured with railing), and even a bit wilder mounting, all this will be valued especially by children.
Text: Denisa Arvajová
Photo: Google Earth
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