Šember, Castle ruin near Doubravčice, Czech Republic

Šember is a ruined castle on the northern tip of a promontory above the Šembera stream, about one kilometre southeast of Doubravčice. Its oval core was cut off from the older hillfort by a neck ditch; at the front stands an earthen rampart with remnants of thick mortarless masonry, and terrain relics mark buildings on the southwest and northeast sides.

Written records are scarce: in 1357 the Minden bishop Dětřich of Portice bought a site for the Klášterní Skalice monastery to build a castle, though the actual builder is unknown. The castle belonged to the monastery until its demise in 1421, and in 1452 it is listed as deserted.

The place takes its name from the nearby Šembera River and reveals layers of different settlement periods across the steep slopes. Visitors can observe how several civilizations used this ridge over centuries, leaving traces visible on the hillside.

The site lies on three marked hiking trails, with the yellow route running from Doubravčice to Kostelec nad Černými lesy through the grounds. Bring sturdy shoes, as the paths climb steep slopes and reaching the ruins themselves requires effort.

Archaeological finds suggest the castle served administrative purposes rather than housing residents. Its defense relied mainly on massive outer walls designed to discourage attacks.