Ronov Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Ronov nad Sázavou, Czech Republic.
Ronov Castle is a medieval fortress situated on a hilltop in Ronov nad Sázavou, built from local basalt and sandstone. The remains display Gothic architectural features, including a residential tower structure and a distinctive right-angled entrance designed as part of its defense system.
The castle was founded in 1329 and changed hands multiple times over the centuries until Swedish forces captured and burned it in 1643 during the Thirty Years' War. This destruction marked the end of its role as a functioning fortress, though parts of the structure survived.
The ruins show how medieval people lived and defended themselves, with thick walls and a tower that once housed the lord and his family. You can still sense how the location offered protection and control over the surrounding land.
The site is freely accessible and located on a hilltop that requires a walk uphill, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Keep in mind that you are visiting ruins, so paths and structures can be uneven and potentially slippery, especially after rain.
In the 19th century, Bishop Augustin Bartolomej Hille added a series of Stations of the Cross to the grounds while the castle was being partially dismantled. This religious addition created an unexpected spiritual element among the ruins that visitors still encounter today.
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