Hazmburk Castle: A Ruined Medieval Fortress

Hazmburk Castle, also known as Házmburk, is a captivating ruin situated on a 418-meter basalt hill in the Ústí nad Labem Region. The castle's origins trace back to the 13th century when it was founded by the Lichtenburk family or the King. Originally named Klapý, after the nearby village, it was later acquired by Zbyněk Zajíc of Valdek in 1335, who renamed it Hazmburk, referencing the hares in his coat of arms. During the 15th century, Hazmburk was considered an impregnable fortress and served as a vital stronghold. Its strategic location provided a visual vantage point, allowing for surveillance over a wide area. The castle even safeguarded precious sacral vestments from Strahov Monastery in Prague for several years. However, by the end of the 16th century, the Zajíc family abandoned the castle, leading to its dilapidation over the centuries. Today, the ruins of Hazmburk Castle are a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. The most prominent features are the two towers: the round, 25-meter-tall Black Tower (Černá věž) and the White Tower (Bílá věž), which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. From the White Tower, visitors can see the Bohemian Central Mountains, Říp Mountain, and other nearby castles. Although the White Tower was temporarily closed for technical reasons in September 2017, it has since reopened and remains a highlight for visitors. The castle is generally open to the public from spring to early autumn, with varying opening times depending on the month. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, climb the White Tower, and imagine life in this once-imposing medieval fortress.