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ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA | CZECH REPUBLIC |
Liberecký kraj | Liberec region |
Okres: Semily |
The ruins of
Trosky castle (in Czech: hrad Trosky) are located on the summits of two volcanic
plugs within the municipality of Troskovice, about 12 km southwest of the district town Semily and about
31 km southeast of the regional capital, Liberec.
On the lower peak (47 m) is the two-storey structure called Baba ('crone'), and on the higher outcrop (57 m) is the
four-sided structure known as Panna ('maiden'). The castle is a landmark of the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) region.
The castle was established in the second half of the 14th century. Two towers were constructed, one on top of each rock, and various
residential buildings and outhouses were erected between them. Three rings of fortified walls protected the complex. According to archaeological
research, the castle was founded significantly earlier than its first written mention in 1396. During the Hussite Wars, Trosky was a center of
the pro-Catholic side, serving as a stronghold alongside castles like Kost, Kumburk, Frýdštejn,
Bezděz, and Ralsko, providing connections between Bohemia and the Lusatian League. It is therefore not surprising
that the castle was never completely conquered by the Hussites or any other enemies. During the course of the 15th century, the castle's
significance declined, and by the second half of that century it was no longer a noble residence but was managed by estate officials. In 1648,
during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), it was burned down completely by the Imperial Army and left in ruins. In the 19th century,
interest in the ruins grew, and romantic modifications were made to the castle. It was decided to create a staircase leading to the Panna tower.
In 1925, the ruins became the property of the Czech state. Restoration efforts began as early as 1923, led by the Czech Tourist Club, focusing on
repairing both towers, walls, and gates. Additional repairs were carried out in 1934–1935. In the latter half of the 20th century,
professional interventions aimed at stabilizing the rock formations and remnants of the buildings. In 1999–2000, a staircase to the Baba
Tower was constructed. In early 2024, restoration continued with new flooring in the Baba Tower and the construction of a new steel observation
deck at the tower’s summit.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trosky_Castle]