Roštejn Castle: A Historic Medieval Fortress in the Czech Republic

Visitor Information

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Official Website: hrad-rostejn.cz

Country: Czechia

Civilization: Medieval European

Remains: Military

History

Roštejn Castle is located in the municipality of Doupě in the Czech Republic and was originally built by the medieval Bohemian nobility. Its foundation dates back to the first half of the 14th century, credited to the Lords of Hradec. The castle served a strategic purpose: safeguarding the nearby town of Telč and delineating the boundary between the estates of Třešť and Telč.

The earliest written record of Roštejn appears in 1353, linking it to the Vítkovci noble family. This dynasty bore an emblem featuring a five-petaled rose, which influenced the castle’s name. The German term “Rosenstein,” meaning “rose stone,” gradually evolved into Roštejn.

During the 16th century, Zachariáš of Hradec adapted the fortress into a Renaissance-style hunting residence. Evidence from this period includes the first documented mention of the surrounding game park, which likely had been a location for hunting activities since medieval times.

Over the centuries, ownership of Roštejn passed through several noble families, including the Slavata family of Košumberk, the Liechtensteins of Kastelkorn, and later the Podstatský-Liechtenstein line. On July 12, 1915, the castle suffered severe damage when lightning struck its prominent tower, causing a fire that nearly destroyed the structure.

Starting in 1958, dedicated restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve Roštejn. These efforts culminated in its reopening to the public in 1969. From 2008 onward, the castle’s exhibitions expanded to include themes such as ghosts, nature, hunting, and forestry, complete with interactive areas designed especially for children. Between 2017 and early 2021, significant renovation work restored the roof, tower masonry, and several interior elements including oil paintings, historic furniture, stucco ceilings, altars, and wall decorations. This extensive project required an investment exceeding 70 million CZK. Additionally, Roštejn has served as a location for filming various fairy tale movies and other productions.

Remains

Perched atop a rugged hill 677 meters above sea level, Roštejn reveals a commanding view of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands and, under clear conditions, even the distant Austrian Alps. The castle’s layout reflects its late Gothic origins, constructed predominantly from stone, which contributes to its status as one of the best-preserved castles of its kind in the region.

A striking feature is the seven-sided Gothic tower, measuring approximately 45 meters in height, which remains accessible today. This tower dominates the silhouette of the castle and served both defensive and observational functions during its active use.

Inside the castle, visitors encounter rich late Renaissance wall paintings. The Armorial Hall displays coats of arms that emphasize heraldic traditions, while the Botanical Hall showcases decorative motifs inspired by plant life. The Forester’s Study features artistic representations of horses, connecting to the castle’s history as a hunting residence.

Roštejn also houses the Chapel of St. Eustace, dedicated to the patron saint of hunters. This chapel holds historical significance as a predecessor to chapels honoring St. Hubert, another figure frequently associated with hunting.

The castle complex includes former residential quarters where collections of period objects are exhibited. These encompass porcelain, pewter items, hunting weapons, furniture, and stoneware, illustrating the lifestyle and customs of the castle’s inhabitants over time.

Surrounding the castle is a historic game park that functions as a deer enclosure. This park has long been used for breeding several species of hoofed game, continuing the estate’s tradition as a center for hunting and wildlife management.