Krakovec Castle, Gothic castle ruin in Krakovec, Czech Republic.

Krakovec Castle stands as a partially preserved Gothic fortress with stone walls, defensive towers, and architectural remnants that showcase medieval construction techniques from the late 14th century.

Built around 1380 for Jíra of Roztoky, the castle served as a luxurious noble residence and provided refuge for reformer Jan Hus before his departure to the Council of Constance.

The name Krakovec comes from a diminutive of the nearby village Krakov. The castle chapel, consecrated in 1384, was later linked to indulgences granted to those who prayed there on chosen holidays. Jan Hus stayed here from July 1414 and wrote several treatises before leaving for Constance.

The ruin stands on a rocky promontory above the confluence of the Šípský and Krakovský streams, on the edge of the Křivoklátsko protected landscape area, about 15 km from Rakovník. A wooden bridge with a lattice railing crosses to the arched entrance at the right end of the wall, below the cylindrical tower. The castle is state-owned, managed by the National Heritage Institute, and open to the public.

The castle's name comes from the diminutive of the nearby village Krakov. Its chapel was consecrated on 16 October 1384 by Jan III, Bishop of Litomyšl, though some scholars read the year as 1383 because the bishop was then excommunicated. The ruin has appeared in films, including the fairy tale The Prince and the Evening Star.