Kolštejn Castle, Castle ruin in Branná, Czech Republic.
Kolštejn is a castle complex in Branná that brings together structures from multiple historical periods. The site contains medieval remains with a cylindrical tower alongside a Renaissance chateau building, with a northern section featuring decorative arcades connecting the different parts.
The fortress was first recorded in 1325 and initially served to protect nearby gold mining operations in the early 1300s. The site later developed into a residence under the control of the Wüstenhub family, who governed this region for an extended period.
The chapel inside the Renaissance section displays faded painted patterns on its walls from centuries past. This prayer space was built in 1604 for the Czech brothers, reflecting the religious life that took place within the fortress.
Most visits start from the Black Tower, which provides access to the castle complex and connects to a long bridge spanning across different sections of the fortress. The pathways can be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is advisable when exploring the older structures.
The 50-meter-long bridge connecting different sections of the castle remains remarkably intact and offers views across the various layers of the site while crossing. This connecting element demonstrates how owners expanded and modified the fortress across different centuries.
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