Příkopy Castle
Příkopy, also known as Old Rýzmberk, are the remains of an early medieval castle which are located northeast of Podzamčí village in Domazlice district. It stands on the island on the north side of the top of the Kravař at an altitude of about 650 metres and is protected as a cultural monument. The building is important by its character of castle of transitional type and possible status of one of the oldest noble castles in Bohemia.
No written sources of the castle's oldest history have been preserved. On the basis of the 1959 archaeological survey carried out by Rudolf Turk, the creation of the fortifications dates back to the eleventh century. It is assumed that the fort existed shortly during the fighting between Prince Břetslav I and Henry III. and can be associated with a place of conflict known as the Battle of Bředek. Later research confirmed the existence of the castle in the first half of the 13th century, when the corresponding ceramics was found on the site.
The place has a five-sided plan that surrounds a double wall and a moat. The inner space is divided into the southern part with the dam and the northern part where the castle core is located. This core of 38 × 22 metres is encircled by its own boulder and moat, with its western and southern sides showing also the wavy remains of the fortification. Within it are visible terrain traces of extinct construction.
There is a hypothesis that Příkopy was the predecessor of the neighboring castle of Rýzmberk. Due to dating to the eleventh century, this monument is considered one of the oldest noble castles in Bohemia.
The remains of the castle are now freely accessible. There is a red marked tourist route through the location connecting Domazlice and Klatovy.
Visiting this place allows you to observe the remains of early medieval fortification in the field. It is a valuable goal for anyone interested in the beginnings of Czech castle architecture.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 11. century
- Fortification of the castle
- 11. century
- Possible connection to the Battle of Břežek
- 1. half of the 13th century
- Confirmation of the existence of the castle ceramic findings
- 1959
- Archaeological survey by Rudolf Turk
Architectural development
The fort had a five-sided plan with a double barrel and a moat. Inside there was a castle core surrounded by another valley and moat, suggesting a complex structure of the lost castle.
Historical events
- 11. century
- The dawn of the early medieval castle.
- The first half of the 13th century
- Finding ceramics from this time, which suggests the existence of the castle during this period.
Points of interest
- The monument is also known as Old Rýzmberg and can be one of the oldest noble castles in Bohemia. - The formation of the fortifications dates back to the eleventh century and can be associated with the Battle of Bředek. - The place has a five-sided plan that surrounds a double wall and a moat. - The castle core is 38 × 22 meters and is surrounded by its own boulder and moat. - There is a hypothesis that Příkopy was the predecessor of the neighboring castle of Rýzmberk.
Guide
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to the historic place known as Old Rýzmberg, or also known as Příkopy. You stand here at the remains of one of the oldest noble castles in our lands. Look up and you can see the torches and ditches dragging around the top of the Kravař, which is as sharp as the edge. This view can take you to another century, when these places were key to defense and government.
Let's dive into the history of this place. Příkopy was created at the beginning of the eleventh century when it was necessary to strengthen defence capabilities in this area. It is possible that their creation was related to the Battle of Břežek, which suggests the importance of this place for the historical events of that time. In the first half of the 13th century, the ceramic findings confirm the existence of the castle, which helps us to better understand its meaning and function.
Now pay attention to the architectural details that extend before you. An interesting feature is the five-sided plan of the castle, which surrounds the double wall and moat. These elements can help you imagine how this fortification was designed to defend against enemies. Although the remains of the castle are now merely traces of the past, their structure may give you an idea of the scale and complexity of the then buildings.
Although particular historical figures associated with this castle remain unknown, you can imagine the lives of people who once lived here. They were nobles, soldiers and others who used this position for their purposes. History didn't save us names, but we can imagine their days of strategic decisions and defensive actions.
The interesting thing about this place is that it may be connected to the Battle of Brouzek. This event could significantly affect the history of the area, although precise details remain unclear. Even so, this option opens a window to past conflicts and the strategic importance of this castle.
Thank you for your attention to this beautiful and historically rich place. If you want to explore more, do not hesitate to move around these ancient wallows and moats. Every step can bring you new knowledge of the history of our countries. We hope this guide was useful and inspiring for you. May you enjoy your further travel and exploring history!
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when there is mild weather and fewer visitors, which allows you to easily explore the ruins. Take fixed shoes, a bottle of water, sun protection and possibly a map or a mobile with an offline map because the terrain is uneven and partially overgrown. Morning and late afternoon hours, when the sun creates soft light, are most suitable for photography; The best views are from the top of the castle ruins and from the surrounding observation points, where you can use statuves for longer exposure. Tip for families with children: walk is suitable for older children, prepare them a simple story about the history of the castle, but be careful on slippery and uneven terrain.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a ruin. Such sites are often freely accessible, but some can only be visited with a guide or are closed for safety reasons. We have not verified the current situation – take care and respect any restrictions.
Where is the monument?
Location: Kdyně, Plzeňský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 1000135691).
Businesses nearby
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Nearby
🏰 Historic sites (82)
- Nový Herštjen 1.0 km
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- Pomník padlým v 1. sv. válce 2.1 km
- Zámek Kout na Šumavě 3.7 km
- památník leteckého neštěstí 3.7 km
- 1. sv. válka 4.2 km
- Pomnik Emila Tsidy 5.6 km
- Tvrz Úsilov 5.8 km
- Netřeb 5.8 km
- SOS Brůdek 6.3 km
- Pomník padlým 6.9 km
- I. Ježíš souzen 6.9 km
- II. Ježíš přijímá kříž 6.9 km
- III. Ježíš padá pod křížem poprvé 7.0 km
- IV. Ježíš se potkává se svou matkou 7.0 km
- V. Šimon pomáhá nést kříž 7.0 km
- VI. Veronika podává Ježíšovi roušku 7.0 km
- VII. Ježíš padá pod křížem podruhé 7.0 km
- VIII. Jeruzalémské ženy pláčou nad křížem 7.0 km
- IX. Ježíš padá pod křížem potřetí 7.0 km
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- Černý Orel 2.8 km
- Penzion Apex 2.8 km +420 770 130 380 web
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- Podveský mlýn 7.8 km
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- Sport pod věží 9.2 km
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- Příkopy 0.0 km
- Kravař 0.5 km
- Kreslova studanka 0.6 km
- Herštýn 0.9 km
- V luhu 1.1 km
- Škarman 1.3 km
- Slupný 1.6 km
- Rýzmberk 1.7 km
- Rýzmberk 1.7 km
- Suchá hora 2.0 km
- Koráb 2.7 km
- Koráb rozhledna 2.7 km
- Úlíkovská hora 2.7 km
- U Kobyly 2.7 km
- Bílka 2.9 km
- Zaleček 3.3 km
- Kněžská hora 3.7 km
- Pramen Andělice 3.8 km
- Dubovka 3.8 km
- Andělice 3.9 km
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Thematic cruise route around the moat (castle) in the village Kdyně
1. Příkopy (Castle) Type: Historical walls and defensive buildings Why it is worth a visit: Příkopy is a key element in the history of the region, which shows the times of fighting and defense. You will visit a place where lives in the past may have been determined by strategies and defense techniques.
2. Kdyně - Local Museum Type: Museum Why is it worth a visit: In the local museum you will learn more about the history of the Kdyně area and its development. The exhibits here represent not only the walls, but also the daily lives of the people in this location.
3. Kdyně - Square Type: Public space Why is it worth visiting: The square is the center of local life where history and the present meet. It's a place for relaxation and sightseeing during the trip.
4. Kdyně - Church Type: Religious building Why is worth visiting: The church is not only a spiritual centre but also an architectural monument. Its construction and interior represent a rich history of local religious life.
5.Kdyně - Park Type: Green area for rest Why is it worth a visit: After exploring historical and cultural places the park offers you an opportunity to relax. It's the perfect place to stop and enjoy a quiet moment.
This route will guide you after the history and present day of the village Kdyně, combining cultural tours with opportunities to relax.
Seasonal recommendations
In spring, the surroundings of the castle awaken to life. The trees start to green and the air smells fresh. The light is fine in this period, which is ideal for observing details of ruins. I recommend to arrive in the morning when the most sunlight is. Clothes should be layered, because the morning cooling may be surprising, but the afternoon is getting warmer. People here aren't like they were in the season, so you'll enjoy your peace.
In the summer months there is the most life and vegetation is the most dense. The sun shines strongly, which can ignite the stone remains. For more visitors, it is best to arrive first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and high temperatures. Don't forget drinking mode and headgear. The best time to visit is soon after sunrise or in late evening when the air is more pleasant.
Autumn brings gold and copper to the castle trenches. Leaves on trees create a beautiful frame for old stones. The morning mist gives the place a magical and mysterious atmosphere. It's important to wear tight shoes because the road can be slippery due to moisture. It is best to visit the memory in the afternoon when the sun shines low and highlights the shadows and texture of the remains of the castle.
Zimą makes ruins very raw and lonely. Without leaves you can see the whole structure of the castle remains and the surrounding landscape opens up to wider horizons. The atmosphere is quiet and very calm. Because of the cold and shorter day it is necessary to have very warm clothes and quality shoes. Watch out for any ice on the road. At this time there are the least people, which allows a deep perception of history in silence.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
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Sources and literature
Photos: Petr Kinšt / CC BY-SA 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
Příběhy a pověsti
Legendy, pověsti a příběhy spjaté s touto památkou
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