Řebřík Castle

Řebřík Castle is a ruined medieval stronghold perched on a rocky ridge above the village of Líšná, in the Rokycany district of the Pilsen Region. Little remains today beyond earthworks, rock-cut moats and scattered foundations, yet the site remains a rewarding stop for history enthusiasts and hikers exploring the southern fringes of the Brdy hills and the Křivoklát forests.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The ruins lie roughly 1.5 km northwest of the center of Líšná, on a rocky ridge rising about 38 meters above the nearby Church of St. Peter. The site sits at the southern edge of the extensive Křivoklát forests, within the Zbiroh micro-region. Visitors reach it by driving to Líšná and continuing on foot, as the location is only accessible by trail. Entry is free and unrestricted, and a visit typically takes about an hour.

When was the castle built, and who owned it?

Řebřík was most likely founded in the late 13th century in an early Gothic style. The first written record dates to 1318 and names Markvart z Řebříka as one of the founding figures associated with the stronghold, alongside the lords of Žerotín. By 1358, Markvart's sons, Vchyna and Markvart, are recorded as patrons of the neighboring church. Ownership changed hands repeatedly over the following decades: in the 1370s the castle passed to Habart of Žerotín and Habart of Dolany, and by 1395 it had become crown property under King Wenceslaus IV. In 1410 it was pledged to Peter Prase of Chrást, and later holders through the 1420s to 1450s included Bohuslav of Chlum (1423), Habart of Adlar, and Peter and Jan of Perč. The last documented resident was Burjan of Švamberk, recorded in 1495.

What did the castle look like, and what survives today?

The stronghold followed a three-part layout, with two outer defensive lines protecting an inner castle core. The main residential building stood on the southwest side and comprised five interconnected chambers. A deep moat cut directly into the bedrock separated the different sections of the complex, and a well or cistern was hewn into the rock as well. A central tower is presumed to have stood at the northern end of the ridge. Today, the most visible remains are two moats dividing the ridge into roughly three sections, along with scattered wall foundations, depressions marking former cellars, and a filled-in well. Some of the castle's stone was reused in the 19th century in the construction of the bell tower in Líšná. In the forests north of the ruins, traces of former fishponds and dams can also be found, while beneath a nearby cliff there are remnants of a deserted medieval village, visible as cellar pits and low earthen ridges marking former foundations.

What happened to the castle after 1495?

Shortly after 1495 the estate was redeemed from pledge and annexed to the Křivoklát domain. Losing its independent administrative status effectively ended its role as a residence — the castle was abandoned and fell into decay over the following centuries, a process that produced the sparse ruins visible today.

Frequently asked questions

When was Řebřík Castle built? It was most likely founded in the late 13th century, with the first written mention dating to 1318.

Who owned the castle over the centuries? Recorded owners include Markvart z Řebříka, the lords of Žerotín, Habart of Dolany, King Wenceslaus IV, and finally Burjan of Švamberk, the last documented resident in 1495.

What remains of the castle today? Visitors can see two rock-cut moats dividing the ridge into three sections, remnants of wall foundations, former cellar depressions, and a filled-in well.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the site is freely and permanently accessible with no admission charge.

How long does a visit take? Exploring the ruins and the immediate surroundings usually takes about an hour.