Zřícenina Hradu Špránek

Luká, Czechia, Czech Republic (Czechia)

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Zřícenina Hradu Špránek, also known as the "Petrified Castle," is a ruined medieval castle located near the village of Luká in Czechia.

It was likely built at the beginning of the 14th century by Dětřich Špran and first mentioned in historical records in 1313. The castle occupied a dramatic sandstone rock formation with steep cliffs and was protected by deep artificial trenches and strong stone walls up to 2.5 meters thick. It featured a tower-like palace with very thick walls and a small courtyard, while the outer parts were likely wooden.

Špránek changed owners several times and was destroyed during the Moravian Margrave Wars sometime after 1380, and by 1398 it was already in ruins. Today, only remnants such as foundation walls, cellars, and natural rock formations remain, situated within a protected national nature reserve. Archaeological and preservation efforts have documented the site extensively, which continues to be a place of historical and natural interest.