Location: Map
Constructed: early 12th century
Tel. 384 498 580
Open:
Apr, Oct: Sat & Sun
May- Aug: Tue- Sun
Landštejn Castle (Czech: Hrad Landštejn) is a remarkable
13th-century fortress situated in the village of Staré Město pod
Landštejnem, within the Jindřichův Hradec District of the South
Bohemian Region in the Czech Republic. Its coordinates are
approximately 49°1′26″N 15°13′50″E. Nestled in the dense forests of
the area known as "Czech Canada" (Česká Kanada), the castle occupies
a strategic position at the historical tri-border junction of
Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria. This location made it a crucial
defensive stronghold overlooking an ancient trade route, providing
both military advantage and economic prosperity through tolls and
protection duties.
The castle is renowned as one of the
oldest, largest, and best-preserved Romanesque castles in Europe,
with its core structures dating back to the early 1200s. Today, it
stands as a monumental ruin, blending Romanesque austerity with
later Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, offering visitors a
tangible glimpse into medieval life and fortification.
The origins of Landštejn Castle trace back to the early 13th century,
likely around 1220–1222, when it was probably built by the Moravian
branch of the Přemyslid dynasty as a border fortress to secure disputed
territories and protect trade routes from Austria. Archaeological
evidence suggests an even older structure may have existed beneath the
current site, possibly a wooden or early stone fortification used as a
military base. The first documented mention of the castle appears in
1231, during the reign of Přemysl Otakar II, King of Bohemia, who
established it as a royal castle opposite an older Austrian-held fort of
the same name belonging to the Lords of Zöbing.
By the mid-13th
century, control shifted to the powerful Vítkovci (Witkonids) family, a
branch of Bohemian nobility who adopted the title "Lords of Landštejn."
Under their stewardship, particularly during the tenure of Vilém of
Landštejn (active in the early 14th century), the family rose to
prominence. Vilém expanded their holdings to include estates like
Třeboň, Lomnice nad Lužnicí, Nové Hrady, Hluboká, Trhové Sviny, and
Borovany, amassing significant wealth from the trade route. He served as
an adviser to King John of Bohemia (Jan Lucemburský) and later as
Burgrave of Prague Castle under King Charles IV (Karel IV) in 1351.
However, Vilém's ambitions led to conflicts, including a notorious feud
with the Lords of Hradec over trade route rights, culminating in a 1356
duel where Vilém was mortally wounded by Jindřich of Hradec and died at
Landštejn.
In 1381, King Václav IV (Wenceslaus IV) granted the castle
to Konrád Krajíř of Krajk, whose family—originally from Austria—held it
for nearly two centuries. The Krajířs fortified the castle extensively
during the Hussite Wars (1419–1434), with family members fighting on
both Catholic and Utraquist (moderate Hussite) sides. They introduced
Renaissance comforts, transforming parts of the Gothic structure. The
last Krajíř heir, Anna Roupovská, sold the estate in 1579 to Štěpán of
Eincing (Eizing), after which ownership fragmented, passing through
various hands including the Herbersteins (from 1685 to 1816).
A
devastating fire in 1771, sparked by a lightning strike, destroyed much
of the residential areas, leading to the castle's abandonment and
gradual decay. Locals repurposed its stones for building materials,
turning it into a romantic ruin. In 1846, Baron Ferdinand Sternbach
acquired it after a prolonged inheritance dispute. Nationalized in 1945,
it was managed by the Czechoslovak Sokol Community and later the state.
Extensive renovations began in 1972, with public access restored by
1990.
Notable events include its role in border conflicts and the
Hussite Wars. The castle is also tied to legends, such as the curse of
the "White Lady" (an ancestress who punishes descendants for moral
failings), which allegedly contributed to the family's decline after she
was exorcised and relocated to Borotín near Tábor. Additionally, the
surrounding forests inspired Friedrich Schiller's 1781 play "The
Robbers."
Landštejn's architecture spans multiple eras, showcasing a evolution
from Romanesque fortification to later adaptations. The core Romanesque
section, built in the early 13th century, features two massive towers
connected by a palace wall, enclosing an upper courtyard—this layout is
unique in Bohemia and represents one of Central Europe's most
significant Romanesque monuments. The southern tower, the main donjon,
stands six stories tall (originally up to 34 meters) and remains fully
preserved, including narrow slit windows for defense and a western gate.
The northern tower complements it, creating a formidable defensive
system.
Gothic expansions in the 14th century added living quarters
within the donjon and a new courtyard, enhancing habitability. The
Krajíř family introduced Renaissance elements in the 15th–16th
centuries, including a five-cornered courtyard with new palaces for
comfort. Later Baroque additions included artillery bastions for modern
warfare. The overall design emphasizes defense: thick stone walls,
strategic towers, and a layout that funneled attackers into kill zones.
Interior ruins reveal remnants of luxurious medieval life, such as
heated rooms, artifacts, and utility items from the 13th–14th centuries,
highlighting the elite status of its inhabitants.
Lookout Tower: The upper part of the higher southern tower serves as
a panoramic viewpoint, offering sweeping vistas of the forested Česká
Kanada landscape.
Courtyards and Gates: Multiple courtyards,
including the Romanesque upper one and the Renaissance five-cornered
lower one, with arched gates like the third gate showcasing stonework.
Legends and Cultural Ties: The White Lady curse and inspiration for
Schiller's "The Robbers" add a layer of folklore.
Archaeological
Exhibits: Displays of artifacts from excavations reveal daily life, from
weapons to household items.
Today, Landštejn is a state-managed historic site and popular tourist attraction, preserved as a ruin that emphasizes its medieval fortification heritage. Extensive archaeological research has uncovered insights into its past, with exhibitions showcasing the opulent lifestyle of its former residents through artifacts and reconstructions. It's open to the public for self-guided or guided tours, highlighting its Romanesque architecture and border history. The site is ideal for history enthusiasts, hikers (with trails in the surrounding forests), and those seeking romantic ruins. Events like historical reenactments may occur seasonally. Access involves a moderate hike or drive, and it's part of broader "Czech Canada" tourism, offering unspoiled natural beauty.