Hrad Roštejn: A Gothic Jewel in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands

Hrad Roštejn, or Roštejn Castle, is a striking late-Gothic castle rising from a rocky hilltop in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. Located near the village of Doupě, in the Jihlava District, the castle's origins trace back to the first half of the 14th century when it was constructed by the Lords of Hradec. The castle's name, Rosenstein (rose stone), reflects the family's coat of arms, featuring a golden five-petaled rose. In the 1570s, Zachariáš of Hradec transformed the castle into a Renaissance hunting lodge, complete with an expansive game preserve. Over the centuries, Roštejn passed through the hands of several noble families, including the Slavatas of Košumberk, the Liechtensteins of Kastelkorn, and the Podstatzky-Liechtensteins. A fire in 1915, caused by lightning striking the tower, led to significant damage, and repairs did not commence until 1958. The castle opened to the public in 1969 and is currently owned by the Vysočina Region and managed by the Vysočina Museum in Jihlava. The castle's dominant feature is its original heptagonal Gothic tower, standing 48 meters tall and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore two tour routes: one focusing on the castle's history as a hunting lodge and the other on nature, hunting, and forestry, particularly appealing to families with children. The latter includes a spooky exhibit for children and a forest playroom. The castle also hosts cultural events, including medieval festivals and art exhibitions. Surrounding the castle is a state natural reserve, protecting one of the largest beech forests in the country, with rare plants and protected animals. Hiking trails offer scenic routes through the Vysočina countryside.