Hartenberg, Gothic castle in Josefov, Czech Republic.
Hartenberg is a castle in Josefov that rises above the village of Hřebeny and displays medieval defensive features including walls and towers that blend different architectural styles from various periods. The structure combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque forms in its design.
The castle was founded around 1196 by the lords of Hartenberg and received its first written mention in 1214 before later falling under the control of Charles IV. This early foundation and subsequent change in ownership shaped its status as a significant structure in the region.
The castle functions as a gathering place for international volunteers who engage with traditional craftsmanship and help preserve Czech heritage. Visitors can observe how people from different countries work together on restoration, reviving local building traditions in the process.
Visitors can tour the castle during ongoing restoration work that demonstrates craftsmanship and offers insight into medieval building methods. It helps to wear comfortable shoes since paths across the grounds can be uneven and sloped.
Thousands of international volunteers have participated in the restoration work, making it one of Europe's largest volunteer-led projects. This effort has preserved not only the walls but also created a global network of people with shared interests.
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