Skály, Gothic rock castle in Broumov Highlands, Czech Republic
Skály is a castle ruin perched on a sandstone cliff in the Broumov Highlands with remnants of defensive walls and a tower. The structure merges dressed stone with natural rock faces and sits within forest surroundings.
The castle was built in the 14th century as a defensive stronghold for the region. It was abandoned and left to decay beginning in the 16th century.
The ruins show how medieval communities integrated fortifications into the natural landscape as symbols of regional power. Such structures remain important markers of local identity for the people in the surrounding villages today.
You can reach the ruins by following marked hiking trails from the nearby village of Skály, with free access available year-round. The paths can be steep in places and require sturdy footwear, especially after wet weather.
The walls merge so seamlessly with the rock that it becomes hard to distinguish where human construction ends and natural stone begins. Many visitors only notice upon closer inspection which parts were deliberately shaped.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
