Valdek (ruins)

In 1263, Oldřich Zajíc began to write after him, who held the position of burgrave of Prague Castle. He was also the founder of the first Augustinian monastery in Bohemia, which was named Svatá Dobrotivá. He initiated the construction of the castle according to German models and had a round tower.

After the death of Oldřich Zajíc in 1271, Valdek Castle was acquired by one of his younger sons, Zdislav. The second son Oldřich inherited the nearby castle Žebrák. An important figure in the history of Valdek Castle was Oldřich's grandson Vilém, who was the most famous marshal and royal chamberlain, the protector of Queen Eliška Přemyslovna, who was nicknamed the "Hare of the Brave Heart". After him, Vladek inherited his son Oldřich. In 1344 he sold the castle to the Běškov family from Běškovice. After that, the owners of the castle changed quite often.

In the 16th century, the local estates were acquired by the Pešík family from Komárov, but they did not receive enough funds to have the dilapidated castle repaired. In 1586 Valdek was inherited by Václav Pešík, who had a new fortress built and left Valdek Castle for good. In addition, Valdek Castle was confiscated for his participation in the uprising.

The castle has a two-part layout with a relatively large fort. The core of the castle underwent a long development, and in the first phase it had the form of a two-storey palace. The ground floor was later divided into three rooms and on the first floor there was a corridor, which was terminated at both ends by bay windows. In the area in front of the palace is a bergfrit tower with a diameter of 10 m, under which is a courtyard and outbuildings.

To this day, the bergfrit tower, the torso of the palace and the walls have been preserved. During weekends and public holidays, the ruins of Valdek Castle are open to the public.

Author: Andrea Štyndlová