Oltářík, Castle ruin in Děkovka, Czech Republic
Oltářík is a castle ruin that sits atop a volcanic hill in the Středohoří region, rising about 568 meters above the surrounding land. The surviving walls form a scattered pattern of stone and brick fragments nestled into the hillside.
A Hussite leader named Jakoubek z Vřesovic built the fortress in 1426 to protect his estates and consolidate power in the region. It was abandoned in 1554 and gradually fell into decay.
Locals and visitors recognize the ruins as a landmark that remains alive through stories and local legends passed down over generations. The crumbling structure draws people interested in the region's past and the lives of those who once inhabited it.
The best route starts from Děkovka on marked trails leading up the hill, a walk of about ten minutes that is easy to follow. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and sometimes slippery in places.
Local folklore speaks of a secret underground passage rumored to connect to wine cellars beneath the site. This tunnel allegedly opens only at certain times of year then disappears again, adding to the mystery surrounding the ruins.
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