Vítkovec Castle
Vítkovec, also known as Vrísek, is a Renaissance castle situated in the field on the sandstone rise of Žizkov hill above the Dolské creek. It is located in the town of Šváby, which belongs to the village of Zahrádky in the district of Česká Lípa in the Liberec Region. The castle has been registered as a cultural monument in the national register since 1958 and is part of the Zahradecko Landscape Monument Zone. The administration of the complex is provided by the state enterprise Forests of the Czech Republic.
The Renaissance chateau was built around 1570 Jan z Vartenberka, although historian Jiří Úlovka as founder presents Václav from Vartenberk, then owner of the farm Rybnov. The same period of origin is attributed to the branch that surrounds the castle and is thus among the oldest branches in the Czech Republic. The castle served as a hunting object, although it may also assume its role as a residence. After Václav's death, it was used by the widow Catherine.
The identity and the name of the castle have long changed. Since the end of the sixteenth century he appeared in the springs as Schischkenberg or Žižkenberg. In 1845 František Alexandr Heber referred to him as Srísek, which was later taken over by František Palacký and August Sedláček. But historian A. V. Maloch pointed out that these were different objects. Key findings were brought by historians Jaroslav Panáček and František Gabriel in 1991, who proved that Srísek belonged to the castle near Drcháva. The historian and castelologist Jiří Hálové now calls him Vítkovec.
The location is associated with interesting stories and links in culture. The castle was visited and drawn by poet Karel Hynek Mácha. According to the legend of 1787, Jan Žižka of Trocnova was to arrest his brother, a Catholic priest in Holany. Engraved figures and inscriptions are preserved in the dungeon, the dating of which remains unknown. The castle also served as a movie set for the fairy tale of Princess Jasnenka and flying shooters. In addition, one of the chapters of the book Owl Cave by Miloš Involved takes place in the branch and castle.
In 1980 it formed part of a small meadow area with nine massive trees of domestic species. The castle roof was repaired in 1989. Today the construction remains empty without any internal equipment - physically only bare walls remain. The forests of the Czech Republic provide only the most necessary maintenance.
The enclosure and the lock are not normally accessible to the public. The premises are open only once a year for several hours during the Forest Day held in Zahradec festivities. These strict restrictions contribute to the atmosphere of the mystery surrounding this Renaissance hunting lodge.
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
- 1570
- The castle was built around 1570 by Jan of Vartenberk.
- 1787
- According to the legend, Jan Žižek was supposed to be holding his brother here.
Architectural development
The castle Vítkovec was not built on the site of an older castle, as some historians originally thought. It is a Renaissance building with a branch belonging to the oldest in the Czech Republic.
Historical events
- 1787
- According to the reputation of John Žižka of Trocnova, he was to arrest his brother.
- 1989
- The castle roof has been repaired.
Owners
Jan z Vartenberka (1570), Václav z Vartenberka
Points of interest
- Vítkovec is a Renaissance castle built around 1570 by Jan of Vartenberk.
- The chateau was part of one of the oldest branches in the Czech Republic.
- historian A. V. Maloch pointed out that the name "Scream" refers to a different object.
- The castle was visited and drawn by poet Karel Hynek Mácha.
- The castle served as a movie set for the fairy tale "Princess Jasnenka and Flying Sheikh.".
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to Vítkovec, also known as Scream. You are standing in front of a Renaissance hunting castle built on Zizkov hill. Vítkovec is now empty and without any internal equipment, with bare walls. But his history is rich and interesting.
Let's move on to the past. Vítkovec was built around 1570 by Jan of Vartenberk. Jan z Vartenberka was an important personality of his time and his name is associated with many historical events. Vítkovec was part of one of the oldest field in the Czech Republic and its position on the hill offers a beautiful view of the surroundings.
Now pay attention to the architecture of this castle. Vítkovec is a Renaissance building that is characterized by simplicity and purity of lines. Look at the facade and notice how it is decorated with simple ornaments. Vítkovec is an example of Renaissance architecture, which is characterized by the emphasis on functionality and simplicity.
Vítkovec is also associated with several interesting stories and personalities. According to the legend, Jan Žižek was supposed to be holding his brother here. Although this information has not been confirmed, it is interesting that this place is referred to as where important events took place. Vítkovec also visited and painted by poet Karel Hynek Mácha. His visit and creation are proof that Vítkovec was an important place for artists and thinkers of its time.
The interesting thing is that the name "Scream" refers to a different object. Historian A. V. Maloch pointed out this fact and noted that Vítkovec was originally called otherwise. It is further proof that Vítkovec has a rich history and that his name and identity have changed with time.
Today you can reach Vítkovci and explore its surroundings. Vítkovec is part of the Zahradec Landscape Monument Zone and its position on the hill offers a beautiful view of the surroundings. It's a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge of history and architecture.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn season when winter is less steep and vegetation offers a beautiful view. This time also brings milder weather for long walks around.
Parking can be found near the village Šváby where parking is available. For those wishing to use public transport, it may be advisable to check the current connections by bus or train and then continue on foot to the castle premises.
When visiting, it is good to bring a protective suit against rain, sunglasses and suitable shoes for walking in the wild. In addition, it might be useful to bring a map or GPS device for better orientation around.
For photography is the best place on the west side of the castle where the sunlight is captured. The best time for images is in the morning or in the evening when light is softer and shadow effects are more pronounced.
The Czech Paradise National Park offers beautiful natural landscapes and is suitable for various nature activities. For families with children can be an interesting attraction and castle in České Lípa, located about 30 minutes away from Vítkov.
For families with children, the castle area is suitable for long walks and playing in nature. Children can also enjoy the discovery of historical buildings and natural environments, which is a great opportunity to learn something new about regional history.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vítkovec open to the public?
Yes, Vítkovec is open to the public. The best time to visit is May and June when the flowers are in full bloom.
How do I get to the place by car / public transport?
Vítkovec is available by car or public transport from the village of Zahrádky. You can park in front of the castle or in the nearby village Šváby.
How much is the entrance fee and is it paid on the spot?
Payment is made on site.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, a tour Vítkovce is also suitable for families with children. There are several exposures that are interesting for all ages.
How long does the tour take?
The Vítkovce tour takes approximately 1 hour.
What are the opening times and booking is required?
The Vítkovec is open from 9: 00 to 5: 00. Reservation is not required, but prior ordering is recommended when visiting the high season.
What's interesting in the immediate vicinity?
In the immediate vicinity of Vítkovce you will find Zizkov hill with closed branch and castle, which is also part of the cadastral village Šváby. There are several other historical objects in the area that are suitable for further visits.
For kids
Imagine going back 456 years, until the Czech kings ruled over the earth. Now, you have Vítkovec, one of the most beautiful and interesting castles in Bohemia.
How did it look here? Vítkovec stood in the middle of forests and meadows, as if it were near the world. He had four prisms and a massive fortification. Here lived William of Pernstejn, a nobleman and a warrior who tried to protect his territory from enemy attacks.
Businesses nearby
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Nearby
Žižkov hill with closed branch and lock belongs to the cadastrum village Šváby, which is part of the territory of the village Zahradka in the district of Česká Lípa in the Liberec Region.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
The route of the Švábská circuit begins at Vítkovce, a Baroque castle in the village Šváby. This castle is worth a visit thanks to its unique architecture and rich history.
Following is the Church of St. Peter and Paul in the nearby village Šváby. The church is worth visiting by its unique architecture and calm atmosphere.
Another stop is the Hradiště in the nearby village Šváby. This castle is worth visiting with its historical value and look at the remains of the past.
The route ends at Kaplice in nearby village Šváby. The chapel is worth visiting with its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: Spring is the perfect time to visit Vítkovec. The sunny weather and blooming nature create a pleasant atmosphere for a tour of the castle. The lighting is still enough to see all the interior details. We recommend visiting Vítkovec in the second half of April or May, when the weather is the hottest and probably no crowds.
Summer: In the summer season Vítkovec is very popular, so it is good to arrive early. The lighting is still sufficient, but we can expect more excitement and higher temperatures. We recommend visiting Vítkovec in June or July when the weather is warm and sunny.
Autumn: In autumn season Vítkovec is inserted into autumn lighting, which creates a pleasant atmosphere for a tour of the castle. The lighting is still enough to see all the interior details. We recommend visiting Vítkovec in September or October, when the weather is colder and probably no crowds.
Winter: Winter season is the most pleasant for visitors who want to see Vítkovec in peace. The lighting is still sufficient, but the opening time is shorter. We recommend visiting Vítkovec in December or January, when the weather is the coldest and probably no crowds.
Visualizations and artistic views
Vizualizace jsou generovány umělou inteligencí a slouží jako inspirace.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Fotografie: Marie Čcheidzeová / CC BY-SA 4.0, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — Wikimedia Commons. Autor a licence se zobrazí i po najetí na snímek.
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
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