Chřenovice Ruin

The castle Chřenovice is located on the island high above the right bank of the river Sazava at an altitude of about 370 metres, four kilometres from Ledč nad Sazavou. The island on which the building is located is protected by two moats, which by narrowing it create natural fortifications. This location provides a strategic view of the surrounding landscape while making access difficult.

According to preserved springs, the castle was founded before 1289 by Leva of Janovice, who probably became the founder of the house of the lords of Chřenovice. The castle became the center of their estate. It was owned by the Milota and Bernatri brothers from Chřenovice after the mid-14th century. The town of Prague Hanuš Otlinger became the owner in the early 15th century. Soon after 1414 he sold it to Kutnohora townsman Kunrat Naz, whose family became the last resident owner. In 1474 Jan Náz z Chřenovic is mentioned here. After that, the Romans bought the castle and joined it to their leden estate. All residential functions have ceased and the castle has been gradually abandoned. The year 1545 is already listed as a ruin.

Construction works include Chřenovice among bergfrit castles. Their core has an approximately triangular plan and in the northwest corner, the round tower - bergfrit - which was originally incorporated directly into the wall. The tower has survived to a height of 20 metres and its masonry on the ground floor is 2.5 metres thick. The entrance to the tower was an arched opening at a height of 12 meters. According to the prints on the wall, the wall was equipped with a cimmer with laws in the form of roofs. There was a palace in the opposite east corner. The northeast side of the core was protected by an additional park wall, to which the entrance gate was moved at a later stage. During the fifteenth century, defence capabilities were strengthened by a forward square bastion fortified by its own wall. This bastion was preserved in part until the nineteenth century when it completely disappeared.

The remains of the castle were damaged during the construction of the dance floor. Since 1963, they have been protected as a cultural monument. The castle is very well accessible - railway station Chřenovice- The substation is located directly below the ruins. The red marked tourist route leads directly to the ruins and allows visitors to see preserved walls and understand the original available of this medieval fortification.