Jenštejn Castle, Castle ruin in Jenštejn, Czech Republic

Jenštejn Castle is a ruin of a water castle founded in the 14th century on a low sandstone rock in the village of Jenštejn. Its triangular core is dominated by a round tower, 22 meters high, whose second floor holds a chapel with a ribbed vault. Three coats of arms of former owners are carved in sandstone at the tower entrance.

The castle was built in the mid-14th century by Jenc of Janovice and later came into the hands of the Jenštejn family, who gave it its name. Over the following centuries it changed owners several times and gradually fell out of use.

The castle's name comes from its founder Jenc of Janovice, whose nickname meant "Jenc's stone". The Jenštejn family, including Jan of Jenštejn, later took their title from the castle, and the village flag today draws on their coat of arms with two vulture heads.

Access to the site may be limited depending on the season, and the ground around the ruins is uneven in places. Sturdy footwear is a good idea, especially if you plan to climb the tower stairs.

The round tower is 22 metres high, not 28, and its upper, narrower section was added under Jan of Jenštejn; the step where it meets the wider base served as a walkway for guards and was later roofed as a gallery. Three sandstone coats of arms of the owners are carved beside the entrance.