Rotštejn Castle, Rock castle ruin in Bělá, Czech Republic.
Rotštejn Castle is a sandstone ruin where natural rock formations merge seamlessly with constructed walls. The fortification uses the Klokočské rocks as a fundamental defensive element, with passages, rooms, and access points carved directly into the stone.
The castle was founded around 1250 by the Markwart family and served for centuries as a border fortress in the region. It was abandoned during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century and never rebuilt afterward.
The site holds protected status as a cultural monument, reflecting how residents integrated the natural sandstone formation into their daily life and defense system. The rocks themselves became an integral part of both fortification and living space.
Access is provided through wooden walkways and paths laid between the rock formations, leading safely to the highest points. The terrain is uneven and requires good footwear and caution in wet weather, as the paths can become slippery.
During the Thirty Years' War, local residents used the natural cavities in the sandstone rocks as shelter from combat and looting. These caves were later mistaken by visitors for horse stables, though they actually served as living space.
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