Střmen Castle: A Medieval Rock Fortress in the Czech Republic
Visitor Information
Google Rating: 4.7
Popularity: Medium
Country: Czechia
Civilization: Medieval European
Site type: Military
Remains: Castle
History
Střmen is a ruined rock castle situated near the municipality of Teplice nad Metují in the Czech Republic. It was constructed by medieval European builders, most likely under the direction of local noble families during the Middle Ages.
The origins of Střmen trace back to the 14th century, although some historical accounts suggest it may have been founded as early as the mid-13th century by the Lords of Rýzmburk, also known as Skalitz. This noble family’s coat of arms featured a golden stirrup on a blue background, which inspired the castle’s name, “Střmen,” meaning stirrup in Czech. From its inception, the castle primarily served a military purpose, positioned strategically to monitor the route connecting Teplice nad Metují and Adršpach. It likely functioned as an observation post in coordination with a nearby fortress at Adršpach, reinforcing regional defenses.
The earliest written record of Střmen appears in the Majestas Carolina, a royal decree associated with Emperor Charles IV. This document refers to it as a royal castle that the monarch could pawn under certain conditions, illustrating its political and economic significance at the time. Throughout the 14th century, ownership shifted among notable figures: Albert of Skalice held the castle in 1359, followed by a probable transfer to Tas of Vízmburk around 1362, and later to the knight Wickman. The latter’s name influenced the German designation for Teplice nad Metují, reflecting the castle’s local importance.
During the turbulent period of the Hussite Wars in the early 15th century, reports claim that Hussite forces under Matěj Salava of Lípa captured the castle in 1428, although no direct contemporary records confirm this event. By 1433, the castle was in the possession of Jan Krušina of Lichtenburk, a supporter of the Hussite movement who died in 1434. Following this, the stronghold likely fell into the hands of troops from Silesia, who are believed to have destroyed it definitively in 1447. After its ruin, mentions of Střmen as a deserted site appear sporadically in 1534 and then again in 1607, marking its final decline from active use.
Remains
The archaeological remains of Střmen reveal a compact fortress built directly into the rock formations of the Adršpašsko-teplické skály natural reserve. The castle’s design includes two rock towers connected by narrow fissures, creating a small courtyard nestled between them. These towers, carved and erected in the sandstone cliffs, were the main defensive and observational points of the site.
At the base of the rock towers, grooves were cut into the stone to hold a timber-framed structure, likely a small building supported by wooden beams anchored directly into the rock. Between the towers, a narrow crevice was sealed off using wooden constructions filled with multiple floors, connected by an internal staircase. This staircase provided vertical access to the summit of the rock formation, emphasizing the castle’s defensive layout and need for quick movement between levels.
The highest point of the fortress hosted a single wooden building with a square floor plan, which probably functioned as a lookout station or command post. This structure, constructed entirely of wood, has not survived intact, but impressions in the rock suggest its original extent and shape. Throughout its existence, Střmen was not designed for residential comfort but rather to serve as a military outpost, focused on surveillance and control of surrounding routes.
Today, the ruins remain exposed on a rock rising above the Anenský potok stream, located at the lower end of the Anenské údolí valley. To reach the remnants, visitors ascend a steep stairway of about 300 steps, preserved along the rock face. Although in fragmentary condition, the visible features attest to a carefully adapted rock castle whose wooden elements have long since decayed, leaving behind only the carved fissures, grooves, and stone foundations that anchor its original frame.
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