Žumberk Castle, Gothic castle ruin in Žumberk, Czech Republic.
Žumberk Castle is a Gothic ruin perched on a hilltop featuring walls arranged in a pentagon shape. The structure is encircled by a deep moat with an adjacent service yard that reveals how the fortress once functioned.
The castle was founded in the second half of the 13th century by the Zajíc family and came under the control of the House of Luxembourg in 1336. This transition marked a shift in regional power during the medieval period.
The castle structure represents regional Gothic architecture and maintains protected status as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
The ruins are open to visitors year-round without restrictions and offer views of the surrounding Iron Mountains from the hilltop vantage point. Expect uneven ground and partially exposed stone walls throughout the site.
A fire in 1395 led to the construction of a new fortress on higher ground above Žumberk. This decision shows how medieval strongholds were relocated after such disasters and reflects the shifting military strategies of the era.
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