Tolštejn - Czech republic

Castles

Tolštejn
Locality type: Castles
Continent: Europe
State (country): Czech republic
Place: Děčín district

Secret ruins of powerful Tolstein castle in past, this is a jewel of a country, situated below Jedlová Hill. Tolstein is the only castle-ruin of Lužické Mountains, and it is, thanks to its extensity,well-preserved situation and romanticism, popular target of tourists.

The original name of the castle was Dohlenstein (Jackdaw´s Rock). First written notice comes from Johann von Guben, Zittauer chronicler and it is dated to 1337. It is to be assumed that the castle was constructed as a part of defensive line in Zittau region at the end of 13th century, protecting merchant way from Prague to Lusatia. Its first owner was probably Henry of Lipá, and since 1337, the castle was in ownership of Wartenberg Parentage. Anyway, they used the castle as their seat later, so as the first inhabitant, it is mentioned Vaclav of Wartenberg in 1395.

In 1402, the castle belonged, as property, to one of most richest man of that time, i.e. Hynek Berka of Dubá. Nevertheless, Hussite wars did not damaged Tolstein-castle a lot, as the owners had an affection for utraquists. Anyway, the castle was conquested later, by troops of George of Poděbrady. Albrecht Berka of Dubá opposed him. He actively stood up against and rebelled against King´s policy. Albrecht was succeeded to escape conquested castle, but he did not got off King´s anger. All estates, including Tolstein-castle, were took away. So, the castle became again the property of Wartenberg Parentage. However, they were forced, from financial reasons, to sell it to Albrecht and Ernest, Saxonian Princes. In 1481, Hugolt of Schleinitz bought Tolstein. Nevertheless, Schleinitz Parentage deserved very well of dominion development, economical boom ,and they founded small town of Jiřetín near to the castle.

At the beginning of 16th century, Tolstein castle undergone reconstruction in late Gothic style. New tower was built, including bastion with loopholes for guns. The castle was also arranged for inhabitation purposes of their owners. However, Renaissance time caused a fact that the castle was quite uncomfortable fro Schleinitz Nobles. So, George Schleinitz moved to the castle of Rumburk. Tolstein-castle changed several owners till the beginning of 30-years war. However, the war was fatal for the castle, it was plundered by Swedish troops and remained in ruins. So, the castle became deserted, and became, according to legends, a seat of robbery knights. Anyway, new life for the castle started with wave of romantism at the end of 19th century. At that time, a pub was founded here, and gave its service for public till 1977.

At present, the ruins preserved mostly castle-fortification with expressive, semicylindrical bastion, and ruins of management buildings. These romantic ruins hide another tourist temptation. This is arranged view-point placed on top-rock. You cannot miss not distant hill of Jedlová (with look out tower) and small town of Jiřetín pod Jedlovou. Under very favourable weather conditions, you can see great part of Lužické Mountains, including south edge of Šluknow headland. Inside the castle, you can use the restaurant-service. Provided you wish to try night magic of the castle, there is available an accommodation in restaurant building.

Tolstein dominion was very important in past. It involved many estates and forests. Just recently, there was founded communities-union in castle environs, trying to invite more tourists into the region. Especially for children, there is ready a play, when, walking around the dominion, and after fulfilling stipulated conditions, they could receive a special penny, which could be changed later for some souvenirs.

 

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Wikipedia.com

Place

Czech republic

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Today:thursday 28. 3. 2024
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