Starý Zámek, Medieval castle ruin in Borotín, Czech Republic.
Starý Zámek is a stone castle ruin perched on elevated terrain, displaying the characteristics of a fortified medieval residence. The remaining walls and foundation traces suggest an original structure that was expanded and modified over time.
The fortress originated in the 14th century as a fortified dwelling and underwent major rebuilding in the 17th century before gradual decline began. These transformations reflect changing military needs and the shift from pure defensive fortification to a more residential château design.
The ruins mark the location of a former boundary post that controlled movement through the region during the medieval period. Walking around the site, you can sense how important this position was for managing access to the surrounding territories.
The ruins are accessible via marked hiking trails from Borotín village and make for a manageable short walk. Parking is available in the nearby village center, and you should be prepared for uneven ground and some missing sections of stairs or pathways.
The ruin visibly shows how architecture changed over the centuries: originally purely defensive, the structure gradually became more residential and included decorative features. You can read this shift from fortress to château in the different masonry styles visible in the remaining walls.
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