Castles & ruins 3: Michalovice, CZ

Michalovice castle was build in 13th century by Markvartic family and got its name from their patron-protector: st. Michael. Markvartic men followed Czech kings in every war therefore they run down to no men pretty quickly. 

The most famous of them was Jan from Michalovice (1260-1306) - king Vaclav II' favorite knight, star of every tournament, hero of many minstrels' ballads. Between the tournaments Jan was „working“ as king' ambassador, lover of euro-queens, fiancé of euro-princesses, shortly – champion in everything.

But family of knights and heroes melted in euro-wars and by the end of 16th century the castle had no master and was abandoned. As many castles without owners it become hideout for bandits and outlaws, who hided their loot here.

Inspired by legends of concealed gold, treasure hunters of 19th century dig the castle inside out so much that main tower leaned because of undermined basement, but in vain – nothing was found.

In 1935, when railway was built nearby, the castle ruins went through major reconstruction, plus the tower needed to be supported as leaning become dangerous. And then! 483 coins of 16th century were found and two preciouses rings – all now could be seen in museum of Mlada Boleslav town.

I guess sometimes you need to ignore failures, towers falling on your head and everyone who tells you there are no legendary treasures for you – persistence and determination!