Rabí Castle
In the district of Klatovy near Sušice and near the river Otava you can visit the largest castle ruins in our country. Rabí Castle is old, stands on Romanesque foundations and in the Middle Ages served to protect trade routes and gold paddies in the Otava. Due to its importance and location, the castle was the target of frequent attacks, but the castle resisted thanks to the defense system, which in its time was one of the most advanced in Europe. For this reason too, Rabí Castle is registered in the list of national cultural monuments and you should definitely include it in your plan.
Information for visitors
Interesting facts Rabí Castle
The castle also includes accompanying programs
When visiting the castle, you can choose from two routes. Take a look at the rooms of the palace, known as Břeňkův, the stables and the cellars, as well as the two castle courtyards with an observation terrace and an observation tower. Permanent exhibitions in the castle present Gothic and Renaissance tiles and tile stoves, an exhibition of archaeological finds is being prepared. An exhibition space was created from the former stables, where concerts are held and it serves as a wedding hall. At the castle you can also visit theater performances or take part in various competitions.
Rabí Castle and Jan Žižka from Trocnov
The castle was probably founded in the 13th century by German counts. The castle enters Czech history only with the family of lords from Rýzmberk. As the seat of the Hussite opponents, the castle was besieged by the Hussites, and you certainly know the legend of how the Hussite military leader Jan Žižka lost his second eye here. From the 16th century, the castle began to change owners and gradually fell into disrepair. In the 18th century, the castle was engulfed in fire and since then it has also served as a source of building stone. Rescue work did not begin until the 20th century and continues to this day.
The reputation of the castle attracts filmmakers
Do you suffer from fear of heights and darkness? Then don't lean too much into the castle well. It is one of the deepest in Czech castles. It is called bottomless and is said to have haunted people and other mysterious creatures. Other legends are mainly associated with Jan Žižka and the Hussite siege of the castle. The castle was not missed by filmmakers either - in the films Markéta Lazarová, Božská Ema, in the French series The Poor, or in the fairy tales About the Apple Virgin or The Forgetful Sorcerer and many others, they used the fairytale beauty of Rabí Castle during filming.
Author: Helena Syslová