Frejštejn, Medieval castle ruin in Podhradí nad Dyjí, Czech Republic

Frejštejn is a small castle ruin on the right bank of the Dyje River, just above its confluence with the Křeslický potok. The remains include sections of the northern wall and ramparts, a small palace, gates, the chapel of St. Catherine, and a well-preserved bastion on the southwest side.

Founded in the 13th century by descendants of Wernhard of Trnava, Frejštejn was destroyed in 1286 by Duke Albert I of Austria with the consent of King Wenceslaus II, then rebuilt and enlarged under Wenceslaus II. In 1422 King Sigismund pledged it to Lipolt I of Krajek; during the war against Matthias Corvinus it was probably destroyed and is recorded as ruined in 1487.

The castle name comes from Oldřich, called Liber or Frei, who is documented here in 1251; Frei became Frejštejn. The chapel of St Catherine in the lower castle is first mentioned in 1347. The ruin now belongs to the village of Podhradí nad Dyjí.

The ruin stands on the southern edge of Podhradí nad Dyjí, on the right bank of the Dyje where the Křeslický potok joins it; the Podhradské skály nature monument lies just north of the walls. The remains are small, so allow a short visit and watch your footing among the broken masonry. The site belongs to the village of Podhradí nad Dyjí.

The castle was pledged in 1422 by King Sigismund to Lipolt I of Kraig, who passed it to his brother Jan Krajíř, called a scourge of the land for his raids. Moravian estates wanted the castle bought out and demolished, yet Jan is still recorded there in 1447.