Lukov Castle, Gothic castle ruin in South Moravia, Czech Republic
Lukov Castle is a Gothic fortress ruin that crowns the Hostýn-Vsetín Mountains in the Zlín region of the Czech Republic. The stone walls and towers spread across the hilltop in a layout typical of medieval strongholds, with visible sections of ramparts, gateways, and residential structures.
The castle was founded in 1332 as a royal stronghold under John of Bohemia to control the surrounding territory. Swedish forces destroyed its defenses in 1643 during the Thirty Years War, leaving it abandoned and gradually ruined thereafter.
The castle draws hikers and history enthusiasts who come to explore the ruins and enjoy views across the surrounding valleys. Walking through the site, you notice how locals and visitors treat it as a natural gathering point for understanding medieval Moravia.
The ruins are reached via marked hiking trails starting from the village of Lukov at the base of the hill. Guided tours are available from April through October, making those months ideal if you want expert commentary on what you are seeing.
In 2021, local mushroom foragers accidentally discovered a medieval silver hoard of around 400 coins buried near the castle ruins. The coins date to around 1400 and suggest that valuables were hidden at this location and remained undiscovered for centuries.
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