The Gothic castle of Bezděz, a dominant feature of the Mách region, was not only a fulcrum of royal power in northern Bohemia, but also made a significant mark in our national history.
The castle was founded on a hill 604 meters above sea level in 1264 by the Czech king Přemysl Otakar II. When this king fell on the Moravian Field in 1278, only seven-year-old King Václav, the future King Václav II, was imprisoned in Bezděz Castle with his mother Kunhuta.
King Wenceslas II. also completed the construction, building the most valuable part of the castle, the chapel dedicated to the Archangel St. Michael.
Albrecht from Wallenstein founded a monastery of Augustinian hermits in the castle in the 17th century, and then the castle belonged to the Emmaus monastery. In the 18th century, however, the castle was already abandoned and began to turn into a ruin.
The castle is gradually being reconstructed. Bezděz made a strong impression on the poet Karel Hynk Mácha, who visited it a total of six times.
You can view the castle grounds with the royal palace, the burgrave and the Gothic chapel of the Archangel St. Michael. From the 30 m high Great Tower, there is a unique view of the Český středohoří.
The Devil's Tower is 20 m high and its name is explained by this legend: Devils are said to have taken up residence in the tower and disrupted religious services. However, they managed to drive them out, thanks to the fact that the castle chapel was dedicated to the Archangel St. Michael, victor over the devil.
Baroque chapels of the Way of the Cross are built along the access road to the castle.
TIPS ON: EXCURSIONS, ACCOMMODATION, SURROUNDING AREAS OF WATER
Accommodation in the vicinity - Doksy, Česká Lípa
Accommodation in the area - Kokořínsko - Mách region
Near the dam - Máchovo jezero
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