Castle Skála

Skála Castle is a medieval ruin perched on a forested rocky ridge above the Horšický stream, within the cadastral area of Zálesí (part of the Příchovice municipality) in the Plzeň-jih district. The site sits between the villages of Radkovice and Libštejn, well off the main tourist routes — a destination that appeals more to history enthusiasts and hikers than to crowds.

Where exactly are the ruins located?

The ruined castle occupies two adjoining rocky outcrops on the same ridge, surrounded by forest. Access is via a red-marked hiking trail running from either Zálesí or Radkovice, and entry to the site is free and unrestricted year-round — there is no ticket booth or fixed visiting hours.

Who built the castle, and when?

The site's history begins in the early 14th century. After Děpolt of Zbiroh divided the family estate among his six sons, one of them, Vilém, raised a stronghold on this ridge before 1318 — the year of the first written record, in which the surname "of Skála" appears for the first time. Vilém's sons — Půta, Břeněk, and a younger Vilém — were active players in the kingdom's political conflicts at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, standing in opposition to King Wenceslaus IV.

What military events took place here?

Skála witnessed two notable sieges. In 1399, royal forces besieged the stronghold using artillery — an event regarded as one of the earliest documented uses of firearms by Bohemian troops. A second siege, led by Hájek of Hodětín, lasted from June to October 1413 and most likely ended when the garrison surrendered due to starvation.

How did ownership of the castle change over time?

From the 14th century onward, the castle belonged to the Švihov family of Rýzmberk. In 1505, brothers Jindřich and Václav divided the estate, which accelerated the building's decline — its wooden structural elements began to deteriorate. Over the following decades ownership passed through several hands: Heralt Kavka of Říčany in 1548, Šebestián of Říčany in 1568, and Jan Chlumčanský in 1572. In 1613 the ruins returned to Bedřich Švihovský of Rýzmberk, after which the site fell into lasting obscurity. In 1658, on imperial order, the castle was deliberately demolished so that it could no longer serve as a defensive stronghold for an enemy.

What did the castle's architecture look like?

Skála represents a rare type of double castle in Bohemia known as a Ganerbenburg — two separate castle complexes built on a single rocky ridge, each with its own gate and independent access. The Upper Castle featured a rectangular tower at the outer bailey with a wide entrance, a gateway cut directly into the rock (barely wide enough for two people), a rectangular palace shaped to follow the contour of the ridge, and a horseshoe-shaped guardhouse protected by a deep, wide ditch. The Lower Castle had a rectangular tower above its gate passage, extensive courtyards enclosed by walls, separate wooden access ramps, and its own walls and moat. Older earthworks and ditches, predating the stone construction, are still partly visible on the northern side of the complex.

What condition are the ruins in today?

Today only fragments of the walls remain, and in places they are difficult to interpret clearly on the ground. Despite its modest state of preservation, the site has been listed as a Czech cultural monument since 1963, confirming its historical significance.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, the site is freely accessible year-round at no charge.

How do you get to Skála Castle? The easiest way is via the red-marked hiking trail from either Zálesí or Radkovice.

Why is it called a "double" castle? Because two independent castle complexes — the Upper and Lower Castle — stood on the same rocky ridge, each with its own gate. This layout, known as a Ganerbenburg, is rare in Bohemia.

What should visitors know before going? The ruins are heavily weathered, so caution is needed when moving around the rocks. Sturdy footwear is recommended, since the approach runs through uneven forest terrain.