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DÍVČÍ KÁMEN | |
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| Bechyně Blatná České Budějovice Červená Lhota Český Krumlov Dačice Dívčí Kámen Hluboká Jindřichův Hradec Klokoty Kratochvíle Landštejn Nové Hrady Ohrada Orlík Pelhřimov Písek Prachatice Rožmberk Schwarzenberg tomb Strakonice Tábor Třeboň Vimperk Vyšší Brod Zlatá Koruna Zvíkov We recommend |
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Ín 1349 Charles IV gave out a deed in Mainz permitting four
brothers, Petr, Jan, Jošt and Oldřich Rožmberk to build a castle on a cliff, called
Dívčí Kámen. The extensive complex of buildings, protected by a system of ditches,
earthworks and towers, was probably finished around 1360. Besides its military purpose it
served as the administrative centre of the region. In 1394 King Wenceslas IV stayed here
for a short time on his forced journey to Austria. During the Hussite wars the castle was a support for the Catholic nobles, and after Oldřich of Rožmberk retired from public life it became his permanent residence. Here also he had royal deeds forged in 1421 to 1437, which were to confirm various privileges and help him to gain more property. He died here quite alone in 1462. 80 years later Dívčí Kámen is written off as a "ruined castle". Today visitors can walk, besides through the picturesque ruins, also through the nature reserve containing many rock plants. And what does legend say? Every year in spring the king of the dwarfs leaves the blocked cellars with enormous Rožmberk treasures and wanders round the abandoned castle. Usually he sits on a moss-covered boulder of the steep cliff above Brložský stream and gives out loud sneezes. Anyone who greets him respectfully after every sneeze will be richly rewarded. |
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