Prácheň, Medieval castle ruin in Velké Hydčice, Czech Republic.
Prácheň is a castle ruin situated on a hilltop in Velké Hydčice, with remaining walls showing the original fortification layout. The site displays the typical structure of a medieval stronghold from this period.
The castle was built in 1315 by Bavor III from Strakonice, replacing an earlier Přemyslid hillfort that served as a regional administrative center. This transition marked a shift toward new fortification techniques and strengthened control over the territory.
The site belonged to a network of medieval fortifications that managed important trade routes through Bohemia. Visitors can still see how it served as part of the regional defense system.
The ruins remain accessible throughout the year and are located in an area with hiking paths connecting nearby Horažďovice and the Otava valley. The hilltop location makes navigation and exploration straightforward.
In the 19th century, the Rummerskirch family built a hermitage within the castle walls, adding an unexpected architectural layer to the site. This rare blend of medieval ruins and later religious construction remains visible today.
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