Trosky Castle

Trosky Castle stands on the summit of the hill that shares its name, within the municipality of Troskovice, in the Semily district, in the Liberec Region — inside the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) Protected Landscape Area and the Bohemian Paradise Geopark. The ruins belong to the Czech state and are cared for by the National Heritage Institute. Since 2002, the castle has held the status of a national cultural monument.

What makes Trosky different from other castles?

The castle's unmistakable silhouette is visible from far across the region, thanks to two basalt volcanic rock towers on which the buildings were raised. The taller, more slender tower is called Panna ("Maiden"), while the shorter, sturdier one is called Baba ("Old Woman"). The two rocks stand only a few dozen metres apart, which from certain viewpoints in the area makes Trosky look like two separate hills, each topped by its own watchtower. A local legend explains the names through the story of two quarrelsome women who once lived in the castle, their arguments supposedly heard throughout the surrounding villages.

What is the history behind the castle?

Construction began at the end of the 14th century, probably around 1380, commissioned by Čeněk of Vartemberk. During the Hussite Wars, Trosky belonged to the lords of Bergov and, together with other strongholds in the region, served as an important base for the Catholic side. The castle withstood two sieges and was captured only in 1469, when the army of King George of Poděbrady took it by force. In 1821, the owners sold Trosky to Jan Lexa von Aehrenthal. It was his son, Alois, who in 1841 had a spiral staircase built to the top of Panna, making the ruins safer and easier to visit. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, between 1999 and 2000, a viewing platform was added to the Baba tower, and it opened to visitors in May 2000.

Where is the castle located, and what else is nearby?

Trosky sits at the heart of Bohemian Paradise, one of the oldest protected landscape areas in the Czech Republic, known for its sandstone rock formations, deep valleys, and long-standing orchard and vineyard traditions. The castle is one of the most recognisable symbols of this part of the Liberec Region and a natural landmark along many of the hiking and cycling trails that cross the area.

When is the best time to visit?

The towers and surrounding trails are most comfortable to explore during the warmer months, when the paths are dry and the views from the Baba lookout are at their best. The approach to the ruins climbs uphill over uneven ground, so sturdy walking shoes are worth bringing regardless of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Baba and Panna? They are the names of Trosky Castle's two basalt towers, each built on its own volcanic rock a few dozen metres from the other. Panna is the taller and more slender of the two, while Baba is shorter and sturdier.

When was the castle built? Construction began at the end of the 14th century, around 1380, commissioned by Čeněk of Vartemberk.

Who manages the castle today? Trosky belongs to the Czech state, and the ruins are cared for by the National Heritage Institute. Since 2002, the site has held the status of a national cultural monument.

In what protected area is the castle located? The castle lies within the Bohemian Paradise Protected Landscape Area and the Bohemian Paradise Geopark, in the municipality of Troskovice, Semily district, Liberec Region.