Zbořený Kostelec Castle: A Medieval Fortress in the Czech Republic

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Country: Czechia

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

Zbořený Kostelec Castle stands near the village of Zbořený Kostelec within the municipality of Týnec nad Sázavou in the Czech Republic. This medieval fortress was likely established during the latter part of the 13th century by the Bohemian King Václav II as part of the kingdom’s network of defensive sites.

The first known written record of the castle dates to 1342, when it was held as a pledge by Oldřich Medek of Valdek. Later, in 1356, King Charles IV repurchased the property but soon after pledged it again, which resulted in the castle changing ownership multiple times over subsequent decades. By the mid-15th century, the castle became associated with Kuneš Rozkoš of Dubá, beginning in 1443. Rozkoš’s reputation for lawlessness in the region led to a siege in 1449, during which the castle successfully resisted attack.

However, the castle’s defenses were tested again in May 1450, when it faced a renewed siege that lasted five days. This assault was led by Zdeněk Konopišťský of Šternberk, who emerged as the new owner following the fortress’s capture. Shortly after, in 1456, the castle lost its status as a manor and was transformed into a fortified military stronghold to serve regional defense needs.

Zdeněk Konopišťský later became a leader of the opposition against King George of Poděbrady (also known as anti-Poděbrady opposition). Because of his stance, royal troops targeted the castle, and in 1467 it was conquered and deliberately destroyed to quell resistance. The castle evolved considerably through these turbulent years, but the exact sequence and dates of construction phases remain unclear due to limited archaeological evidence. Remains of fortified camps belonging to King George’s forces are still found on the northern side of the site, indicating the continued military importance of the surrounding area during the castle’s final period of use.

Remains

Zbořený Kostelec Castle occupies a steep promontory approximately 300 meters above sea level, overlooking the meeting point of the Sázava River and Kamenický Creek. The fortress layout consists of a central citadel positioned at the highest terrain point, which is encircled on three sides by a lower outer ward. The oldest surviving section is the eastern curtain wall, a defensive barrier that dates back to the earliest building phase of the castle.

One of the most notable features of the site is the entrance gate, originating from the period when Kuneš Rozkoš of Dubá controlled the castle. This gate includes traces of a former drawbridge mechanism, which would have spanned a moat to control access, and contains seating niches likely used by guards or officials. Above the river, Rozkoš also constructed a round tower set on a rocky outcrop, providing a vantage point over the water. Additional fortification in the form of an outer rampart was added during his tenure, which was subsequently modified to support artillery. At that time, a new gate equipped with a bridge crossing the moat was constructed to accommodate evolving military technology.

Within the southwestern section of the castle stood a tall palace structure reinforced by buttresses to support its height and stability. During the ownership of Zdeněk Konopišťský, two more buildings were added adjacent to the palace, suggesting an expansion in its residential or administrative functions. On the northern side of the site remains a two-room palace, considered the best-preserved part today, showcasing the castle’s domestic arrangements.

Across the courtyard from this palace, above the riverbank, there once existed another building whose remains now consist primarily of the courtyard-facing wall. On the northern slopes of the castle area, archaeological evidence preserves the remains of a fortified camp connected to King George of Poděbrady’s troops. These earthworks served as temporary military encampments during the conflicts of the mid-15th century and provide insight into the castle’s strategic environment.

Today, Zbořený Kostelec Castle is a protected cultural monument. Its ruins outline the historical layers of construction and military activity that shaped its development, offering a tangible link to the region’s medieval past.