The
name “Wildestein” = wild rock belonged to several castles in
Bohemia. All of them were in some wild, impregnable places which lead
to their decay and disappearance when castles went out of style. But
one survived: it changed the name to Czech “Vlčtejn” = wolf
rock, most probably to be more suitable in local language.
First
written notice of the castle comes from peace treaty between Holen
from Vildštejn and Záviš from Falkenštejna of year 1284, but
more reliable are books of Rožmberk family from 14th
century – they had the castle for several hundred years. Their
history records and church documents tell about the castle
reconstructions all the way from wooden structure to the stone fort
and castle. I add couple of pictures of the castle original
appearance based on these records.
Hussits'
wars and following 30- 7- years wars almost destroyed the castle and
later on it was under ownership of many less significant families and
soon enough was abandoned. During the wars though the castle
importance was great: it guards vast expanses of what now is Plzen
region, the castle was the place where crucial documents were signed
between fighting parties.
Peoples
fantasy didn't just change the name of the castle from German to
Czech, it invented the whole lot of legends about wolfs-protectors of
the castle owners. You can here all of them: from lost in the woods
orphans, raised by wolfs and becoming great knights of the castle to
stories about wolfs kidnapping the castle heirs and raising them in
their den so they become strongest fighters with super senses and
what not.
Today
the castle ruins are open to public, there is a volunteer
organisation working on restoration and organising events together
with nearby village of the same name.From above: Vlctejn
Comments
Post a Comment