Kolín Castle, Gothic castle in Kolín II, Czech Republic

Kolín Castle is a Gothic fortress in Kolín II built on the site of a destroyed monastery. The stone walls and fortifications display medieval features that date from when the location was repurposed into a military stronghold.

The site was founded in 1437 by Bedrich ze Straznice, a Hussite priest and military commander, as a strategic base. Its creation was tied to the religious conflicts that shaped the region during that period.

The castle's name recalls its Hussite origin: Bedřich ze Strážnice called it Lapis refugii, Stone of Refuge. Its builder Petr is the earliest named castle builder in the Czech lands, recorded on a plaque above the gate. Since 2000 the city-owned complex has been under slow rehabilitation and is closed to the public.

The castle is owned by the city and is not open to the public; there are no guided tours. Visitors can view the exterior of the castle complex, which has been under gradual rehabilitation since 2000, from the surrounding streets of Kolín II. The railway line along the Elbe runs close to the site.

The builder was Petr, whose name appeared on a plaque above the gate; he is the earliest named castle builder in the Czech lands. Kolín is also the only known castle founded by a Hussite captain directly inside a town.