Castles & ruins 14: Andělská Hora / Engelsburg , CZ

Founded around 14century first as a wooden fort, years later fortified with stone towers, the castle was mainly military post because it got great view over the country. It does not have own water supply and being relatively small it was never a home seat of any noble family or big garrison.

Nevertheless, strategical position made it valuable “real estate” for which fought important families and the crown.

One of the owners, Linhart Colonna von Fels, made there an alchemist lab where well known scientists (and charlatans) of the time did their research. For example, Jakob Tentzel (1630 – 1683), was working here and wrote down results of his many alchemist experiments in “De metallis diversis tractatus”  - the book you can see in National Museum in Prague.

The castle got its name from the lady Alvina who was descendant of king Arthur himself – she was a daughter of king Tristan. It is said that once king Tristan was hunting in the woods and saw huge bear tearing apart little child, next to them was kid's dead mother. The brave king jumped on the beast and killed it with the spear, freeing little boy. Tristan took the boy with him and called him Ursinus. When Ursinus grow up he decided to get over the power and wealth of his foster, and the best way to do so he saw in seducing Alvina. He persuaded her to leave with him, telling Alvina how much he loves her and that her father will never ever let them be together. Alvina believed in his love and left the kingdom, they run far away, over the sea and stopped only at the hill in Bohemia. Ursinus built the castle there but it did not become the love nest: poor Alvina had no joy far away from homeland and Ursinus stopped pretending to be in love with her as well. Her only refuge was in helping people around, she gave all she could spare, heal sick and comforted the suffering. People started to call her the Angel and her castle – the Angel Hill.

She planted linden tree next to the castle – it is still there and since 2009 is under state protection as a memorial tree. Although most probably the linden tree is from 18 century and hasn't lived since middle ages. The tree is “broken” on three parts and was revived a few times so new tree trunks are even younger.

Tristan though was looking for his daughter and finally learn where she is, he got the whole army and come to the castle. When Ursinus saw it, he tried to poison Alvina but in a hurry drunk the poisonous wine himself and died. Alvina took her children and returned home with her father.

Hard to say when it could have happened if at all, but Andelska Hora was mentioned by its name first in written sources of 1402; after Swedish raid in 1635 it was burned and partially destroyed and wasn't restored until 1899 by count Jaromír Černín of Chudenice, who opened it for public. You can visit it today, it is free and open all year round.

There are many churches and chapels on and around Andel Hill – local people are sure this is the “place of power” and has some special “energy” which can heal you, although not from superstitions as it seems.

From above: Andelska Hora