Žebrák castle

Točník, Czech Republic (Czechia)

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Žebrák Castle is a Gothic castle ruin located in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, near the village of Točník. It was built in the second half of the 13th century by the noble Zajíc family and later became royal property under King John of Luxembourg and his son Charles IV.

The castle was a favorite residence of Wenceslas IV, who significantly renovated it. After a large fire in 1395, Wenceslas IV built the nearby Točník Castle on higher ground for better defense. Žebrák was besieged during the Hussite Wars but was never captured. In the 16th century, attempts to find hidden treasure damaged the castle, leading to its gradual decline into ruin.

Since the early 20th century, the castle has been owned by the Czech Association of Tourists and has undergone preservation efforts. The site features remains of two circular towers and the old palace, with a tower serving as a lookout point offering scenic views.