Ostromeč Castle: A Historic Fortification in Czechia

Visitor Information

Google Rating: 3.8

Popularity: Very Low

Google Maps: View on Google Maps

Country: Czechia

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

Ostromeč Castle stands near the village of Hrazany in the municipality of Radíč, Czechia. Its location overlooking the meeting point of the Vltava and Mastník rivers made it strategically important. The site’s earliest known association appears in 1369, linked to a settlement named Hrádek or Hradnice, connected with Oldřich of Radnice, suggesting a medieval origin in the Bohemian lands.

By the early 15th century, the original castle structure had already fallen into disuse. During the turbulent period of the Hussite Wars, a notable battle took place nearby in 1419, marking the region’s involvement in religious and political conflict. In 1424, the Hussite forces led by Jan Hvězda of Vícemilice constructed the castle anew, reflecting its renewed military significance.

The castle faced hardship when besieged and captured in 1428, yet it was soon recovered and restored. Another siege occurred in 1435, commanded by Hynek Ptáček of Pirkštejn. The defenders, led by captain Filip of Padařov, surrendered in May, after which the castle was deliberately set on fire and destroyed. The destruction marked a turning point in its military history.

In 1450, Zdeněk Konopišťský of Šternberk undertook rebuilding the castle, transforming it into a military base from which he launched raids in the surrounding region. These aggressive actions alarmed the local authorities, and by 1471, the regional assembly demanded the castle’s demolition. Despite this order, it withstood siege attempts and remained intact until about the year 1500. By 1542, documents record the castle as deserted, marking the end of its active use as a fortification.

Since 1965, the site of Ostromeč Castle has been officially protected as a cultural monument, preserving its historical ruins for study and remembrance.

Remains

The earliest surviving phase of Ostromeč Castle comprises a modest rectangular building featuring a cellar with a barrel vault, an architectural element providing a sturdy ceiling formed by a continuous arch. This initial structure was fortified by an earthen embankment, a surrounding moat, and a defensive wall. Today, only the earthwork remains in visible form, hinting at the former perimeter of the castle’s defenses.

When Hussite forces expanded the castle in the 15th century, they introduced a sizable rectangular building at the heart of the new layout and a smaller, three-room structure to the south. Their fortifications incorporated wooden elements, with stone primarily limited to parts near the main gate. The core fortress was encircled by a moat and reinforced with a substantial earthen rampart especially prominent on the southern and western sides.

Southward from the main castle remains lie additional earthworks believed to be either outlying defensive works or remnants of siege fortifications. Among these is a notable feature nicknamed Červenka, which stands out due to its triangular shape and defensive design, including a double rampart and an accompanying moat. These earthworks demonstrate the strategic importance of the site and the intensity of military activity it witnessed.

Currently, the ruins retain these earthwork structures that testify to the castle’s layered past. The surviving fragments of stonework near the former gate and the preserved layout of defensive ramparts and moats provide valuable insights into both the original medieval construction and subsequent Hussite modifications.