Ronov Castle, Gothic castle ruin in Blíževedly, Czech Republic.
Ronov Castle is a Gothic castle ruin perched on a steep hilltop in the Ralsko Uplands, surrounded by mixed forest. The remaining walls mark where a more complex fortress once stood with multiple structures and defensive features.
The fortress began as a residential tower and was later expanded into a more complex fortification under Vilém of Ilburk. In 1643 Swedish forces captured and destroyed it during the Thirty Years' War.
Religious structures once stood here, including Stations of the Cross built in 1845 by the Bishop of Litoměřice before their destruction. These installations reflected the spiritual importance of the hilltop for pilgrims and believers.
The ruins are located roughly 11 kilometers from Česka Lipa and are accessible via forest paths that lead uphill to the site. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and allow time for hiking, as the terrain is uneven and overgrown.
The hilltop held spiritual importance beyond its military role, as evidenced by the pilgrimage stations added centuries after its initial construction. This blend of fortification and religious use sets it apart from typical castle ruins in the region.
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