- Žumberk Castle
The ruins of Žumberk Castle can be found next to the village of
Žumberk ,Pardubice Region , theCzech Republic .The castle was probably built during the end of 13th century, on a hilltop above the village, and was known under the German name "Sunenberg". Its walls formed a
pentagon and were surrounded by a deepmoat , with a service yard was placed next to the castle. Later, a township grew up under the hill.The first known owner of the castle and neighbouring villages was a robber knight; ownership of the castle changed many times afterwards. At the beginning of the 18th century, the castle was not inhabited, though during 1760-1770 a physician lived there. The castle became desolate and was left to be a source of construction material.
During 1926-48 the castle was owned by the Club of Czech Tourists, and its structure was stabilized to prevent further destruction. Today the village is responsible for its maintenance, and access to the castle is unlimited and free.
References
*
August Sedláček , "Hrady, zámky a tvrze Království českého", 1882, volume IExternal links
* [http://home.tiscali.cz/ou.zumberk/kultura/hrad.htm Description of the castle, photos] (in Czech)
* [http://fotoprazak.net/10-vyber_pamatky/zumberk.html Photo gallery of the castle and the village]
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
