Orlík near Humpolec

Orlík Castle, originally known as Humpolec, was built on afforested hill two kilometres distant from the town of Humpolec.

The initials of the castle come to last third of 14th century, when the building was in ownership of Henry of Dubá. Its construction was probably stipulated castle-property was divided between two sons of Vaněk of Dubá. So, this small castle was enlarged and fortified at the end of 14th and at the beginning of 15th centuries. Orlík is mentioned in 1404 for the first time, in connection with a fact that Henry of Rosenberg conquested this seat. The castle suffered from blames after skirmishes among supporters and opponents of King Wenceslas IV. In the course of 15th and 16th centuries, the castle with satellite dominion was subsequently in ownership of Leskovec Parentage, Trčka of Lípa Parentage and Říčanští Parentage. These last proprietors enlarged north barbican in the middle of 16th century, establishing new fortifications and inhabiting wings. Old palace was restored and newly equipped (arranged). On north-east part, there was established new great building, as a substitution for deserted Middle Age castle. Since that time, there was inhabited this new part only and was named as Orlík.

At the beginning of 17th century, the dominion seat was removed to the community of Herálec, the nobility inhabited the chateau, and old castle was used for economic purposes only. However, the castle was permanently deserted since 1601(or after 1679). Later, the castle was mentioned as completely desolated and some demolitions were effected in the meantime. So, Orlík started to be deserted, its equipment was sold consequently, and finally, since 19th century, the castle construction was taken to pieces as building material. Within 1913-1918, Kavalir-Brothers made conservation of watch-tower, and castle repair works were undertaken. In 1914, the excavations were effected here. Further investigations were secured by Czech Tourist Club. Below old castle, there were uncovered barrel vaulted cellars, and some bolts and glazed tiles were found. here. After 1945, the castle area became a centre of youth´ events and entertainments. Later, all these activities were not permitted, owing to worse security conditions here. However, the castle fell into decay further and changed into ruins slowly. The area was  became again a source of cheap building material. So, since 1988 there started to work here a small rescue group enthusiastic persons. Within 1992-1996, there were effected here new building arrangements, financed by means of towns of Humpolec and Pelhřimov. Since 1997, the reconstructed part is open for public. However, there are lack of financial means, and further reconstruction works cannot continue.

From the east, the way passes Middle Age well, situated here on place of obsoleted farm. The only written document proving its existence, there is selling document of dominion of 1560. This well has diameter of 2,2 metres, its depth makes 19 metres. In past, the well was filled up with refusals. In 1941, the well-cleaning started, together with excavations at the same time. There is to be found underground corridor in a depth of 17 metres, the mouth of which could terminate in the castle. Nevertheless, its existence was not confirmed. On the first floor, there ware located potters´ owens, removed in 1938, from the reason of construction of the new way. The path continues across double embankment and moats, through demolished gate into courtyard of barbican. This protects front and back wall with partially preserved parts. On its northern part, there is located great rectangular building, Orlík of Renaissance style. The internal upper castle is placed on highest point of the hill. In west direction from the gate, there is placed big prismatic tower. It is situated just opposite the entrance. However, from a palace behind the tower, small rests were preserved. In the castle, you can see preserved entry gate, prismatic tower, bastion, rests of inhabitated buildings, fortification, cellars of palaces and even „black kitchen“. Here, you can find owen for bread-baking, and you can try this works in summer months.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Google Earth