Starý Světlov, Medieval castle ruin in Podhradí, Czech Republic.
Starý Světlov is a medieval castle ruin located in Podhradí within the Zlín Region of the Czech Republic. The surviving structure features Gothic stone walls and tower remnants positioned on elevated terrain overlooking the surrounding landscape.
The castle was founded around 1360 as a defensive fortress for regional lords controlling medieval Moravia. Over the following centuries, the stronghold gradually lost its military importance and deteriorated into the ruins visible today.
The name Světlov derives from Slavic roots meaning a bright or illuminated settlement. Visitors walking through the ruins can still sense the layered history embedded in the standing stonework and layout of the former stronghold.
The ruins are accessible throughout the year by following marked hiking trails that link other historical sites in the Zlín Region. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the terrain is uneven and trail conditions vary depending on the season.
The site was designated as a protected cultural monument by the Czech Ministry of Culture in 1958, giving it official heritage status. This recognition underscores its importance for understanding how medieval fortifications in the region were preserved and valued.
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