Klamorna: A Medieval Castle Site in Czechia
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.7
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- Czechia
- Primary era
- Medieval
- External website
- Open
- Eras represented
- Medieval
- Civilizations
- Duchy of Bohemia, Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom of Bohemia
- Site type
- Military
- Remains
- Castle
On this page6 sections
History
Prehistoric Fortification
Klamorna is a medieval castle site in Czechia, near Mnichovo Hradiště, on a sandstone promontory that was occupied as early as the Middle Eneolithic, the prehistoric period between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age, about 5,000 years ago. Klamorna and the neighboring Hrady area were inhabited intermittently until the 3rd century BC, when the settlement was violently destroyed.
The Hrady area was fortified again in the 9th century. During this phase, a rampart was established across the narrow neck at Klamorna, incorporating the site into the defensive system of the rock plateau.
Medieval Castle
From the second half of the 13th century, Klamorna formed part of a fortified network on the margins of Mužský Hill, together with Drábské světničky, Staré Hrady, and Hynšta. The castle was built in the 13th century, rebuilt during the third part of the 15th century, and ceased to exist later in that century.
Klamorna was briefly revived during the Hussite Wars, the religious and political conflicts in Bohemia during the early 15th century that followed the reform movement associated with Jan Hus. At that time, the surrounding area was controlled by the captains Bernart and Bartoš of Valečov. Klamorna, Drábské světničky, and the Hrada hillfort have been protected together as a cultural monument since 1967, and the site lies within the Český ráj Protected Landscape Area.
Remains
Promontory and Rampart
Klamorna occupies a sandstone promontory with sheer sides. A narrow neck connects it to the wider rock plateau, and this approach is blocked by a rampart that was originally constructed as part of the prehistoric hillfort. The summit platforms preserve no traces of buildings. A cistern cut into the rock survives on the southern side.
Rock-Cut Chambers
Quarrying partly destroyed the rear section of the castle. Within a fissure in this area are four chambers cut into the rock. Two retain stone tables, while another preserves the remains of a more elaborately dressed window. Their architectural elements date the chambers to the 15th century.
Nearby sites
