Roštejn - Czech republic

Roštejn

Locality type: Castles

Continent: Europe

State (country): Czech republic

Place: Jihlava district

Late Gothic castle of Roštejn is rising on rocky hill in an altitude of 677 m of sea level in romantic forests near to the community of Doupě. This defensive watch castle comes of first half of 14th century, established probably by Hradec Parentage. The building is formed by eight-cornered sharped tower and adjoined castle-palace. In 1353, the castle was surrounded by Gothic fortification with circle (round) bastions, and some rests of these walls are preserved till now. In time period of fights between Jost and Prokopius, Moravian Markgraves, the fortification was enlarged. Anyway, soon, during Hussite wars, the castle was considerably damaged, and the castle started to loose its military importace. In 1477, the castle palace with barbican were reconstructed. In 1536, the castle became an ownership of Krajíř of Krajek, nevertheless, he sold it to owner of Telč dominion at the same year. Shortly afterthat, in 1570, Zacharias of Hradec let the castle reconstructed again, this time in Renaissance style, and created here his summer seat. At that time, one floor more was built. From this change, there were preserved basements of tower and Gothic vault, especially, there was preserved 28 m high, eight-cornered tower. In its interior, there was established spcious Knight-Hall and chapel. In the environs, there was created great deer-park, however, it was considerably damaged during besiege by Swedish troops in 1643. Anyway, it was renewed in second half of 17th century, but liquidated in 1902. However, most tragical day in castle-history was those of 12th June 1915, when the castle completely burned out after lightning hit. Later, the building became a ruin, shortly. Vast and hard reconstruction works were effected in castle within 1956-1982. Last castle owners was Podstatsky Parentage. At present, Roštejn castle is in possession of State Forests.

Roštejn can be proud of its Renaissance interiors with beam cealings, wall paintings (made by František B.Zvěřina, Bohemian painter), Renaissance fireplaces and other unique equipments. In originally living rooms, you can find the exhibitions of china (porcellain) and tin, products of wood, hunting weapons and accessories, simple furniture of passed time-periods, and stoneware-production exhibition. As far as the interesting subjects are concerned: you can admire here Escutcheon Hall with Renaissance wall paintings of nearly seven hundred of escutcheons of 17th century. Botanic Hall with paintings and samples of useful and healing plants, and extended wooden Christmas crib including 450 figures from 19th century, made by unknown author.

During opening time-table, there are in castle small refreshment (buffet) as well as souvenir shop available.