Výrov (Velenice) Ruin
The Výrov Castle is a medieval ruin situated in the Liberec Region, near the village of Velenice. Dating back to the 13th or 14th century, its original name remains unknown. The castle's history is marked by its destruction in 1440 by the Lužičtí vojsko, a revenge for the lawless activities of the Smojna family, who owned the castle.
Built on a rocky outcrop above the Svitavka River, the castle featured a moat and a wall surrounding it. Unfortunately, the castle's architecture is unknown due to the lack of information. The remains include a prohlubeň, or a depression, which was likely a building or a tower. The rock face also features a series of rooms carved into it, which damaged the castle's structure.
The Smojna family, notorious for their lawless behavior, owned the castle. Their activities led to the castle's destruction in 1440. The castle's remains were further damaged by the construction of rooms on the rock face.
The castle's history is marked by its destruction, a result of the Smojna family's lawless behavior. The castle's remains serve as a testament to the region's rich history. The nearby village of Velenice is 2 km away, and the castle is accessible via a forest path.
Today, the castle is a ruin, with no marked path leading to it. The nearest landmark is an old brusírna, or a polishing mill, located on the opposite bank of the Svitavka River. The castle is situated in the Cvikovská pahorkatina region, a forested area with hills and valleys. The castle's remains remind us of the region's complex history and the importance of preserving its cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the castle's remains and learn about its history, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in history and 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
- c. 1350
- Origin of Výrovský Castle
- 13th century
- Beginning of the Smojnů's existence on the castle
- 14th century
- Start of the castle in its present form
- 1440
- Division of the castle by Lusatian forces
- c. 1750
- Gradual damage to the castle from construction on the rock face
Architectural development
The castle was built on a rocky outcrop above the Svitavka River. The castle's remains include a moat and a wall. The castle's architecture is unknown due to the lack of information.
Historical events
The castle was built in the 13th or 14th century
The castle was burned down by the Lužičtí vojsko in 1440
The castle's remains were damaged by the construction of a series of rooms on the rock face
Owners
The Smojna family
Points of interest
– The castle's remains were further damaged by the construction of rooms on the rock face, which was likely done without any regard for the original structure.
– The castle's history is marked by its destruction in 1440 by the Lužičtí vojsko, a revenge for the lawless activities of the Smojna family, who owned the castle.
– The castle's remains are situated in the Cvikovská pahorkatina region, a forested area with hills and valleys, which adds to its natural and historical significance.
– The castle's original name remains unknown, which is unusual for a medieval castle of its age and significance.
– The castle's architecture is unknown due to the lack of information, leaving visitors to imagine what the original structure looked like.
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. You are standing before the ruins of Výrov Castle, located in the beautiful setting of Liberec Region. Look up and take in the rocky cliff on which the castle stands. Notice that the castle is built on a rock massif above the Svitavka River, giving it a unique and dramatic appearance.
Let's delve into history to find out who built the castle and when. Historians agree that the castle was constructed in the 13th or 14th century, but its original name is unknown. At that time, the Smojnovs owned the castle, known for their criminal activities, which led to their downfall.
Now focus on the architecture of the castle. Notice that it's built from stone and has a relatively simple structure. Examine the castle walls and observe how they are damaged. This likely occurred during the construction of rooms into the rock face around 1750.
Let's return to when the castle was destroyed. This happened in 1440, when Lusatian troops razed the castle as retribution for the Smojnovs' crimes. This marked the end of Výrov Castle.
However, soon another interesting detail will emerge. The castle was damaged by the construction of rooms into the rock face, regardless of its original structure. This is a great example of how historical buildings are often altered or damaged without regard for their original significance.
Let's return to you. You stand before the ruins of Výrov Castle, with its fascinating history and unique location. Explore the castle and its surroundings, and try to imagine what it looked like in the past. Perhaps you'll manage to uncover some of the mysteries that the castle holds.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit Výrov Castle is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the surroundings are lush green.
The castle is accessible by car or public transportation.
It's recommended to bring comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking in the forest. Don't forget to bring a camera and binoculars for a better view of the surroundings.
The best spots for photography are the castle's ruins and the surrounding forest. The light during the golden hour (dawn or dusk) is ideal for capturing stunning photos.
Nearby attractions include the village of Velenice (2 km away) and the Cvikovská pahorkatina region, which offers beautiful hiking trails and scenic views.
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: Velenice, Liberecký kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Businesses nearby
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
The castle is located in the Cvikovská pahorkatina region and is surrounded by a forest. The nearby village of Velenice is 2 km away.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
Trasa: Vrať se do středověku
1. Vrať se do středověku (Velenice) Typ: historický areál Proč stojí za návštěvu: Zajímavý historický areál, kde můžete prozkoumat zříceninu hradu a jeho okolí.
2. Vodní nádrž (Velenice) Typ: vodní nádrž Proč stojí za návštěvu: Koupání a relaxace u vody.
3. Lesní park (Velenice) Typ: lesní park Proč stojí za návštěvu: Procházka v přírodě a odpočinek v klidném prostředí.
Seasonal recommendations
Jaro
Spring is the ideal time to visit the ruins of Výrov (Velenice) because nature around the site begins to awaken and the green foliage of trees and shrubs creates a beautiful contrast with the historic ruin. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, allowing for a deeper exploration and understanding of the site's history. Before visiting Výrov, we recommend arriving around 9 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy the site in tranquility.
Léto
Summer is the main season for visitors to Výrov (Velenice), but it also means a greater risk of crowds and long lines. To avoid the crowds, we suggest visiting the site early in the morning or late afternoon when there are fewer people. Clothing should be light and comfortable as walks around the site can be challenging. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Podzim
Fall is a beautiful season for visiting Výrov (Velenice) because nature around the site is full of colors and the atmosphere is calm. The lighting is also pleasant, as the sun shines gently and creates beautiful shadows on the historic walls. If you wish to visit the site in the fall season, we recommend arriving around 2 PM when the sun is already low on the horizon and the shadows are long. Don't forget to bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop in the late afternoon.
Zima
The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, but lighting is limited because the sun is low on the horizon. If you wish to visit the site in winter, we recommend arriving around 9 AM when there is still sufficient light for a tour. Don't forget to bring warm clothing and boots that will protect your feet from the cold.
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
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Zákupák / Public domain — 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
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