The ruins of the castle Sirotčí Hrádek

The orphan's castle, ie its remains, rises on Table Mountain, which is one of the hills of Pavlovské vrchy. It is located above the village Klentnice, about 3 kilometers from Mikulov. The hill with Sirotčí hrádek and its surroundings lie in the Růžový vrch nature reserve, which has the task of protecting the local typical character of the landscape and also the rare flora.

This Gothic castle was built at the end of the 13th century by members of the Swabian Wehingen family, but in 1305 their family died out and the castle fell to King Wenceslas III. However, he was assassinated the following year and the Orphan's Castle fell into the hands of the Liechtensteins. It remained in their possession until 1575, when it was taken over by the Dietrichsteins, but it was probably deserted, at least as it is stated in the record fifteen years later.

The orphan's castle was built on two limestone cliffs, which were probably connected by a bridge over a deep gorge. There was a prismatic watchtower on the northern rock, today only small remnants remain, and moreover, this rock is not even accessible. The castle's three-storey palace itself stood on a southern rock. To this day, a massive castle wall eight meters high remains with one opening through the window and, in addition to the northern wall, which has not been preserved, the remains of the palace somewhere almost to the height of the first floor. At the foot of the rocks, there was once a fort, which was protected by a rampart and palisades.

The shortest way to the ruins of Sirotčí hrádek is along the trail from the village of Klentnice, but there is also a tourist route from Mikulov through the Pálav Hills, for example to Děvičky. The orphanage is freely accessible all year round and from the top of the hill there is a beautiful view of the wide surroundings, which you will definitely enjoy.

Author: Martina Limbergová