Potštejn castle - Czech republic
Potštejn castle
Nerby the river: Divoká Orlice
Potštejn castle was founded by Procek of Křivice. His son, Nicolas, was renowned ingloriously as brigand and bandit. He took advantage of suitable position of the castle. In 1338, Margrave Charles sent military troop against him, and consequently, he conquested his castle of Choceň. Nicolas gave up in, but soon forgotten his promise and returned back to his subversive activity. Charles sent the other military expedition against him, conquested his castle of Potštejn, however, he died during besiege. Afterthat, the castle remained in King´s possession. He had the intention to reconstruct it, so he bought consequently the dominion of Jan of Potštejn in 1356. In 1370, the castle was given into mortgage, and his son Wenceslas IV. bought it back in 1389. At the end of 14th century, so called Mansion Unit tried to seize it but the castle resisted. And resisted even against an attempt of Hussite troops within 1432-1433, when they tried to conquest it. In 1435, Hussite veteran, Hynek Krušina of Lichtenburg, received the castle into administration. He probably let to enlarge the fortification of the other ring. William Krušina, Hynek´s son, sold consequently the castle to George of Poděbrady in 1454 and he enlarged the other ring of fortification to the castle. In 1495, the castle was bought by rich noble-man William of Pernstein. His parenatge hold the castle fill 1556, later followed the other owner, Rhine-Falcgrave Ernst. Successively, the castle had the other two owners, however, they did not stayed here for long time, so the castle begun to be a ruin slowly. In 18th century, there was again busy between castle-ruins. The dominion, bought by John Ludwig Harbuval of Chamare, started to look for treasures here. After 1937, part of ruins was conservated with care of Czech Tourist Club.
Opening time:
May-September: Tuesdays-Sundays (closed on Mondays): 9,30-12,00 and 13,00-17,00
- Guided tour takes 30 minutes
- Castle-ruins could be visited upon telefonic request in advance also outside opening time
- Last guided tour begins 30 minutes before closing time
- Wedding ceremony is possible to be taken place in castle
- Souvenir sale
Entrance tickets:
Adults: CZK 60,-
Children, pensioners, students, invalides: CZK 20,-
Children up to six years of age: free of charge
Text: Maxim Kucer
Photo: pruvodce.com, google-earth
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