Hladomorna, Medieval cave beneath castle ruins in Holštejn, Czech Republic
Hladomorna is a limestone cave beneath the castle ruins of Holštejn featuring a main chamber with high vaulted ceilings. The underground space contains numerous rocky formations and narrow passages connecting the various sections of the cavern.
The cave served as a prison dungeon for Holštejn Castle beginning in the late 13th century and continuing until the fortress fell into decline. This underground space became central to the castle's system of medieval justice and punishment.
The name comes from an old word meaning hunger, reflecting the harsh conditions prisoners faced here. Visitors can still observe traces of armor and tools scattered on the cave floor that tell stories of those held within.
The entrance sits at the base of a steep limestone cliff, so sturdy footwear is essential as the ground is uneven and damp. The air inside remains cool year-round, making a jacket a practical choice for comfort.
The cave serves as a critical winter hibernation site for bat species including the greater mouse-eared bat and the brown long-eared bat. These flying mammals rely on the cave's stable temperature to survive the cold months.
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