Stohánek, Medieval rock castle ruins in Stráž pod Ralskem, Czech Republic.
Stohánek is a medieval rock castle situated in a sandstone cliff southeast of Stráž pod Ralskem, featuring carved chambers and an integrated water storage system. The fortress utilizes the natural rock formation to create multiple rooms cut directly into the stone.
Benedict von Wartenberg founded the fortress in 1427 as a defensive stronghold, but troops from the Six Cities Alliance destroyed it in 1444. The ruin then stood empty for centuries until it found a new purpose.
Soviet soldiers carved Cyrillic inscriptions into the rock during their stationing period, leaving visible marks from a later occupation era. These markings remain visible for visitors walking through the site.
Visitors reach the castle ruins by climbing a stone staircase carved into the rock, following the original medieval route up the sandstone formation. The ascent requires firm footing and caution on the historic steps.
A hermit inhabited the abandoned castle ruin between 1740 and 1783, adding an unexpected chapter to its history. This solitary resident used the stone structure for a life of seclusion.
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