Castle Velhartice

Castle Velhartice is a stone fortress ruin that stands on a hilltop at roughly 640 meters elevation. A massive stone bridge with multiple arches connects the main palace to a cylindrical defense tower, spanning a deep ravine between them.

The fortress was built between 1290 and 1310 by the local noble family and served as their residence. Later additions in the Renaissance style transformed parts of the structure, and the site changed hands over centuries.

The castle grounds preserve remnants of a medieval brewery that supplied the residents. The buildings reflect how people lived and worked in this fortress during its time of occupation.

The site sits on a hilltop with steep pathways, so sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness help you explore comfortably. Guided tours are offered during the tourist season and provide helpful context about the different sections of the ruins.

The stone bridge was built using medieval techniques without modern machinery, demonstrating impressive craftsmanship of the era. Its construction across such a deep ravine was a remarkable engineering accomplishment that solved a serious defensive challenge.

Location: Velhartice

Inception: 13 century

Architectural style: Gothic architecture, Renaissance architecture

Elevation above the sea: 640 m

Website: https://hrad-velhartice.cz

GPS coordinates: 49.26295,13.39955

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40