Hello everyone,
While walking around and checking out new places in Czechia, I started noticing something curious, this country is full of ruins ! Broken towers, forgotten castles, crumbling walls... and they’re everywhere. So I got curious: why does Czechia have so many ruins ?
Let's find out why.
A Country of Castles (and Ruins)
Czechia owns to over 2,000 castles, which is kind of wild for a country this size.
During the Middle Ages, noble families built castles to protect their land or show off their status. But between wars (like the Hussite Wars and the Thirty Years’ War), political changes, and straight-up abandonment, many castles have been left to nature.
What’s left today are dramatic, scenic ruins that look like a fantasy movie.
Exploring Ruins Around Pilsen
Since I’m based in Pilsen, I looked into local ruins and there are some pretty cool ones just a short trip away. One of the best-known is Radyně Castle, a ruined tower perched on a hill. It’s not far from the city and offers amazing views of the region.
There’s also Lopata Castle, deep in the woods, and Věž Mikulka, an old tower near Rokycany.
I haven’t visited them yet (blame the rain and cold), but as soon as the weather gets better, I plan to czech them out. Hiking through the forest and suddenly finding a medieval ruin sounds like the perfect weekend plan !
Radyně Castle picture take from visitplzen.eu website
Why Ruins Are Worth Visiting
What I prefer about ruins is that they feel more alive than museums. You can walk on ancient stones, imagine the stories, act like a knight, and enjoy nature at the same time. No civilisation, just you, the wind, and a bit of history.
Final Thoughts
Czechia’s ruins are more than just pretty backgrounds for Instagram. They’re part of the country’s complex history and a great way to explore beyond the cities. So if you’re ever tired of the classroom, grab your hiking shoes and go breathe in nature as we in Mathis article -> Hiking the Border: A 20km Challenge in the Czech-German Mountains.