Potstejn, tel.: 0445/571812
Potstejn are ruins of a castle from the end of 13th century. Count of Hardubal-Chamare searched for a legendary treasure of Mikulas of Drslavitz the famous robber knight. He did not find anything except a few spurs, old keys, horseshoes and sealing stick. An exhibition concerning the Potstejn history is in Potstejn town. The exposition is inspired by Alois Jirasek's novel Poklad (Treasure). Part is concern texthe industry.
The castle was estabished in the period of large colonization in the catchment area of Ticha and Divoka Orlice at the end of 13th century by the House of Drslavic. The second holder of Potstejn was Mikulas of Potstejn well known rebel and robber of his time. Immediately in the 14th century Moravian margrave Charles (latterly King Charles IV.) governed chastisment for Mikulas. The castle was captured and ruined. As for the strategic importance of the castle it was rebuilt soon (in 1355). Important is the first note of castle's Chapel. Notable is the system of dunnies under the buildings that was created for defence. (During Hussites Wars it was under siege for half a year.) Charles IV. held the Potstejn as a citadel for a short time and then concurred a few pledge owners. There is not much to see from the original castle of this period of 13th and 14th century. From the age of Charles IV. restoration originate the palace of two buildings. (Today's core of ruins.) The castle was surrounded by fortification wall, bulwark and deep moat.
In 15th century after the Hussite wars, King Jiri of Podebrady made Potstejn a first class military citadel. He build a third bar of fortification strehgthen by eight square built flankers under second circle of fortification walls.
In the time of ownership of the House of Pernstejn (from 1495) attained Potstejn's greatest expansion. The core was vastly rearranged and the castle grew up to be an important feudal residence of its age. The castle was defended by three fortification walls, moats, towers, flankers with a special one for defending palace buildings. Building adaptation, stone works, paintings of interiers last in 16th century. Even in this century progress of military technologies evokes Potstejn's military merit and castle became uncomfortable for gentry . The castle has been empty aproximately since the 17th century.
In the new history of domain, castle and town played an important role Count Jan Ludvik Hardubal-Chamare, emigrant of French origin, well known enterpreneur. The town was an important supplier for terms of castle. When Potstejn was left and cast its residential status almost all the population of Potstejn also moved away. Employment and social infrastructures were renewed by opening Chamare's factory.
Excursion: May - September: Tuesday - Sunday, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m., April & October: Weekends & National holidays: from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m.
Admission: 20,- CZK for adults, 12,- CZK for children