Švamberk Castle, Gothic castle ruin in Krasíkov, Czech Republic.
Švamberk Castle is a ruin on the 636-metre Krasíkov hill above the Hadovka stream, about three kilometres west of Konstantinovy Lázně. Its ground plan forms a long triangle; behind the moat, the round tower at the spur end, part of the adjoining palace and a vaulted cellar survive. The church of St Mary Magdalene stands in the outer bailey.
The castle burned in 1644 and was briefly occupied by a Swedish garrison three years later, in 1647. The core was never rebuilt, and its masonry was later taken for buildings in the surrounding area. A church of St Mary Magdalene was built in the outer bailey.
The site reflects medieval Czech construction methods typical of regional fortifications from that era. Visitors can observe these building techniques in the surviving stone structures today.
The ascent follows a marked forest trail from the parking area at the base of the hill. Sturdy footwear and drinking water are advisable for the walk up.
The castle hill was settled in prehistoric times; finds from the late Hallstatt period were recovered in 2007 during a trench for an electrical line. The name Švamberk comes from the German Schwanberg, meaning Swan Mountain, chosen by founder Ratmír ze Skviřína.
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