Choustník Castle

From one of the towers, you can overlook the entire region in good weather and sometimes even catch a glimpse of the peaks of the Šumava or Brdy mountains.

To the east of this romantic, legend-shrouded ruin lies a nature reserve with rock towers and stone seas. If you have climbing equipment, you can test your skills here.

Around 1430, the castle was rebuilt by Oldřich of Rožmberk and remained in his family’s possession until 1579. By 1614, it was already described as abandoned.

Choustník was built in the westernmost part of the ridge with numerous prominent rock formations before 1282, when it was first mentioned as the residence of Beneš of Choustník. The four-story prismatic tower was protected by a wall that followed the outline of this rock formation. In the western part, a palace building was constructed on a footprint of approximately 20 x 10 meters. The walls indicating the division of the interior into original rooms have been preserved to this day, as has the vaulted cellar. The castle tower was accessible from the palace; the current entrance at courtyard level dates from a later period. The entrance gate faced east and was reached by a longer, gently sloping bridge, whose pillars are still visible.

A unique feature of this castle is that it was a so-called double castle – according to an agreement between the lords of Choustník, it was “a castle divided between them.” A new smaller tower was built on the eastern bastion, enhancing its defenses against potential eastern attacks. Adjacent to it was new construction leading to the previously mentioned western palace. The northern (courtyard-side) wall of this structure has been preserved, including a beautiful tracery granite window of the castle chapel.

Further renovations occurred under Peter of Rožmberk – although the castle lost its residential function under the new owner, it was not neglected, and a burgrave resided there. To strengthen the eastern part of the castle, a new defensive wall was constructed. It extended to another rocky outcrop to the east and then returned to enclose the newly created courtyard.

However, the owners began to change rapidly later, and by the late 16th century, the castle was recorded as neglected and, by 1614, as abandoned. In the late 20th century, the ruins underwent somewhat controversial preservation, with all wall crowns being thoroughly concreted.

Nevertheless, Choustník is a stunning site, accessible for a modest entrance fee. The visit can be combined with a trip to the nearby Kozí hrádek or even with an ascent of Kotnov Tower – the only remaining part of Tábor's municipal castle.