Chlum Fortress
In the heart of the Blanský les (Blanský Forest) lies the village of Křemže, which almost merges with the neighboring settlement of Chlum. Here stands a building that has been rebuilt several times throughout history, originally constructed as a fortress in the 13th century.
The fortress was likely built as early as the 13th century, when the village of Chlum was held by the Lords of Chlum. This noble family later split: one branch remained in Chlum, while the other settled in the nearby castle in Křemže. Later owners included the Dubenští, the Častolárové, and the Eggenbergs. Over the centuries, the fortress underwent several reconstructions, eventually being converted into a manorial farmstead in the 17th century.
The current structure likely dates back to around 1500. The best-preserved part is the southern corner, where some of the original barrel vaults on the ground floor and sgraffito decorations have survived. Other remains of the fortress were lost during its transformation into an agricultural estate.
