Roštejn - Czech republic
Roštejn castle
Very interesting romantic torso of Rotstejn rock castle is to be found at the edge of Klokočské Rocks, near to the community of Klokočí (Bladder-Nut) a couple of kilometres in east direction from the town of Turnov.
The castle was built by Vok of Hruštice (later known as Rotstejn) at th
e end of 13th century. His son, also Vok, got ínto disputes regarding the property. These quarrels culminated with complete burning out of the castle, devastation of surrounding villages and captioning of Master Vok in 1318. Vok´s successors had the castle in possession till the beginning of 15th century. In 1415, Andrew Paldra of Variny bought the castle. So, Rotstejn became a Catholic seat, supporting King Zikmund. At that time, Hussites made their offensives around, and they even besieged near Waldstejn castle in 1424. Two years later, they invaded, destructed and broke out Rotstejn Castle.
So, attack of Hussites was the greatest destruction of the castle. Before 1439, his owner transferred into more comfortable place in Klokočí, and nobody looked after Rotstejn castle since that time. A notice of 1514 gives evidence that the castle is completely desolated. Anyway, after several hundreds of years, the interest in romantic rests of former castle, was restored to life. At present, the castle is undergone consequent reconstruction. As original castle was constructed mostly from wood materials, there were preserved small rests only up to now. So, you can ad
mire the corridors and rooms engraved in rocks, deep well, traces after firepiece, chimney and rests of walls. Small rooms, carved on soft sandstone in the surroundings of Rotstejn, come from new age and served local poor people as penurious accommodation.
The castle is ensnared with several mysterious legends. Most popular of them is those, speaking about great treasury, hidden inside of powerful rocks. It is true, that the treasury was a target of many finders, but without success up to now. One of this finders got ready for this excursion on Good Friday. The rock was open and a man, in vision of great wealth, entered. However, the rock closed suddenly, and the man spent inside the whole year. Interesting rests of former rocky castle are free for access. Within season, you can hear s
hort, but attractive explanation of castle-history and have the opportunity to follow nice performance. From upper part of castle-rock, you have the chance of marvellous view around. Just direct, in front of you, you can see Kozákov Hill with. Look-out-tower on its top. Further look-out-tower could be seen on Dubecko Hill, and behind this, you can admire ruins of Trosky Castle.
Rotstejn castle is good accessible along several tourist trails. From the town of Turnov, you can reach, following yellow marked signs, to have a look of pseudo-karst cave of Bohemian Paradise (Postojna) as well as interesting sections of Klokočské Rocks. Other possibility: you follow red marked trail, again from Turnov, this time via Zdenka Rock, passing top-route via Bethlehem Rocks up to Rotstejn Castle. Two other variants are offered, in case it is our starting point a top of Kozákov Hill. From Rieger-cottage, you can go via Drábovna or choose round Radostná Well.
Text: Denisa Arvajová
Photo: Wikipedia.com
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