Rokštejn Castle, Gothic castle ruin near Panská Lhota, Czech Republic.
Rokštejn Castle is a ruin on a rocky spur above the Brtnice valley, with the remains of two palaces, a prismatic tower and a small eastern tower. The upper castle core held a chapel and a great hall heated by tiled stoves and fireplaces; the lower castle had a palace, kitchen and farm buildings.
Founded probably after 1270 by Ruth of the Hrutovice family and first documented in 1289, the castle passed to Margrave Jan Jindřich around 1359 and was rebuilt around 1362 as a double castle. Hussite-era troops besieged and wrecked it; by the 16th century it was deserted.
The castle's name comes from its founder Ruth of the Hrutovice family, and the site is still under systematic excavation led since 1981 by Masaryk University. Summer seasons bring cultural events to the grounds, and guided tours explain the finds, including the largest collection of medieval dice in Europe.
The ruin is freely accessible; guided tours are available and summer brings cultural events. The site lies on a rocky spur above the Brtnice valley, five kilometres northeast of Brtnice, near Panská Lhota. Excavations by Masaryk University continue, so some areas may be fenced off.
In the tower foundations archaeologists found the skeleton of a newborn, evidence of a 13th-century pagan custom meant to make the castle impregnable. A shaft by the upper gate held the largest collection of medieval dice in Europe, left by guards passing the time.
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