Ruine Starý Jičín

The territory of a community, including its environs, allured into colonization since primeval age. Old line of communication from Adriatic up to Baltic Sea, known as Amber Path, led through. Starý Jičín became, just since beginning of 13th century, a market village. Ruins of one of oldest Moravian castles are situated above Jičina brook (the castle was founded in 13th century on place of former piece of ground). All this was happened during Christianisation of a country, when Huckeswagen Parentage deserved well of castle foundation. This lower building had dominating conical tower over oblong ground plan of palace.

In the middle of 15th century, the castle´s fortification was strengthened, and on its northern part the frontal side was established. After periods of owners´- changes, when Hussite wars were over, at the beginning of 16th century, Žerotin Parentage obtained this dominion. Later, the castle was re-built in Renaissance style. New palace and gun-bastion were added. The castle was richly equipped with inventory (this fact is proved by archaeological findings, as, for instance,

 with ceramics and weapons). William Frederick became last Žerotin owner of this dominion, however, he lost nearly all in a consequence of participation in Estates Uprising. Afterthat, he died shortly. Nevertheless, Žerotins lost the dominion and the castle at the beginning of 30-years´ war. The castle was seized by troops of both parties. During wars, the castle was damaged, and later even abandoned, as down there was constructed a new castle in the community. Even at the beginning of 20th century, new owner- Frederick Deym – wished to rescue the castle, but 1st World War prevented him to do it. Partial preservation was done in 1945. Parts of fortifications were preserved, including buildings up to the second floor, walls of Renaissance palace and torso of round tower. Rescue works and some new buildings´ finishing  are effected at present, but all these works are questionable from historical point of view. In preserved castle-tower, you find an exhibition of historical weapons and historical documents regarding castle and dominion of Starý Jičín. Further, in ground floor of the tower, you find very popular restaurant presented in old style.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Jiří Paclík, Tedmek, č.2, č.3, č.4, č.5