Loket Castle, Gothic castle in Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
Loket Castle is a Gothic fortress rising from a massive rock formation in western Bohemia, surrounded on three sides by the winding Ohře River. The structure blends Romanesque and Gothic architecture, featuring a medieval rotunda, several towers, and fortified walls overlooking the river bend.
The castle was founded in the late 12th century under Přemysl Otakar I. to protect merchant routes from Prague. It remained a key stronghold for centuries, undergoing several rebuilds while maintaining its strategic importance for the region.
The castle museum displays medieval weapons and tells the story of local porcelain craftsmanship that shaped the region's identity. Visitors can observe how these traditions connected to the fortress's role in protecting trade routes.
Access is available seasonally from April through October, with guided tours offered in multiple languages. A parking area near the entrance makes arrival easy, and pathways through the site are well marked.
Hidden within the fortress walls is a rare Romanesque rotunda discovered in 1966 that remained undetected for centuries. This concealed structure shows how medieval castles often grew beyond their original design.
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