Hauenštejn, Gothic Revival castle in Horní Hrad, Czech Republic
Hauenštejn is a castle ruin featuring Gothic Revival elements located in a valley near Horní Hrad. The complex includes a cylindrical defensive tower and extensive underground vaults built beneath the western section of the fortress.
King Ottokar II of Bohemia founded this fortress in the 13th century to guard royal trade routes and nearby mining regions. Later, the Buquoy and Hauen families took control and reshaped the structure through successive modifications over centuries.
The name comes from the Hauen family who held early ownership of the land. Visitors can trace the layers of past inhabitants through the building styles and the way structures fit into the surrounding landscape.
The site is accessible on foot and allows visitors to explore the ruins from different angles. Those interested in visiting the underground sections should check conditions beforehand, as these areas are not always open to the public.
The underground chambers show traces of modifications made during different periods of occupation and use. These hidden spaces reveal clues about how residents adapted the structure to meet their needs over time.
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