Okoř Castle, Medieval castle ruins near Prague, Czech Republic.
Okoř Castle stands on a low rock above the Zákolanský stream, about 275 m above sea level. Its core is a slender grey-brown tower with a rounded top and small rectangular openings, joined to a long broken wall pierced by uneven rectangular and arched window gaps. Lower ruined walls run further left, partly overgrown at the base.
The castle was founded in 1359 by a Prague merchant and passed through multiple hands over the centuries as ownership changed. By the 17th century it came under control of the Jesuits, marking a major shift in its role and use.
The castle hosts period events in spring and summer, including performances by knightly associations, and weddings take place in the ruins. Every year in the second half of August, the open-air Festival Okoř is held on the meadow next to the ruins.
The ruin is best reached on foot, either by direct hiking or taking public transport from Prague to Okoř village. The site remains open year-round and exploring it requires only comfortable shoes to navigate the uneven terrain.
On the hill east of the castle, a moat and outer rampart enclose an oval fortification. Dobroslava Menclová read it as a siege position, while Tomáš Durdík argued it was an advanced bastion, since its massive wall faces the open plain and nothing guards the side toward the castle.
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