Štěpanice Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Dolní Štěpanice, Czech Republic
Štěpanice Castle is a ruined fortification in northern Bohemia built from local stone with walls and foundations still visible among the surrounding hills. The layout of the original structures can be traced through the remaining fragments scattered across the site.
Construction began in the 13th century when the House of Waldstein established this fortification in the region. The castle was abandoned during the 16th century as political shifts led to the decline of many such strongholds.
The castle once served as a symbol of nobility and power in this region, controlling trade routes and local settlements from its elevated position. Today it remains a landmark that locals identify with their territory and history.
The site is accessible via marked hiking paths starting from Dolní Štěpanice village at the base of the hills. Information boards at the location help orient visitors and explain the layout of the ruins.
The ruins occupy a natural rocky ridge that offers sweeping views across the surrounding landscape to anyone who reaches the summit. The builders relied entirely on stone quarried locally, making the structure an integral part of its natural setting.
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