Zvěřinec Castle

Zvěřinec is a picturesque ruined castle located about 2.5 km south of Jesenice, in the Příbram district of the Czech Republic. The ruins sit on a wooded hill known as Na Hradě, at an elevation of 542 metres, and form a two-part layout: a small castle core perched on a prominent rocky outcrop at the very summit, and a considerably larger outer bailey spread out on lower ground southwest of the main structure.

Who built Zvěřinec and where does its name come from?

The first written record of the castle dates back to 1362, when its owner was Mareš (also known as Martin) of Zvěřinec. He was the founder of the parish church in nearby Jesenice and held the right of patronage, meaning he could appoint the parish's priests. The name of the family and of the castle itself — Zvěřinec, meaning roughly "game park" or "menagerie" in Czech — most likely refers to the hunting grounds that once surrounded the estate, a common feature of medieval noble properties.

How did ownership of the castle change over time?

The stronghold remained in the hands of Mareš's family until the first half of the 15th century. It then briefly passed to the Leskovec family, before being purchased by the Růt family of Dírná. By the time the estate was sold in 1539 to Mikuláš Měděnec of Ratibořice, documents of the era already noted that no one lived at the stronghold any longer — a clear sign that it had ceased to serve as a residence and had begun falling into disrepair.

What is the castle's connection to Jan Hus?

At the outset of the Hussite revolutionary movement, the castle belonged to Václav of Zvěřinec. Local tradition holds that the reformer Jan Hus himself stayed at the castle during his travels through the South Bohemian countryside. While this claim is difficult to verify today, the story has become a lasting part of local lore and is still recounted by regional guides.

Why is Zvěřinec linked to the poet Karel Hynek Mácha?

The ruins gained additional fame through their association with one of the most important figures of Czech Romantic literature, Karel Hynek Mácha. His father came from the area around Měšetice, and the poet himself spent his holidays in the region — a connection that has led locals to tie the surrounding landscape, castle ruins included, to his life and work.

What can visitors see on site today?

What remains of the stronghold today are mainly fragments of walls and the outlines of former fortifications, still legible thanks to the clear division of the terrain into the rocky castle core and the lower-lying outer bailey. The site is surrounded by forest, giving it a distinctly atmospheric, mysterious character that appeals both to history enthusiasts and to anyone looking for a quiet destination for a walk. A dedicated educational nature trail leads to the Zvěřinec ruins, making the site easy to reach on foot and helping visitors learn about its history step by step along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly are the Zvěřinec castle ruins located? About 2.5 km south of Jesenice in the Příbram district, on the hill Na Hradě at an elevation of 542 metres.

When was the castle built and who was its first known owner? It is first mentioned in written sources in 1362, with Mareš (Martin) of Zvěřinec as its owner — he also founded the parish church in Jesenice.

Is it true that Jan Hus stayed at the castle? According to local tradition, yes — he is said to have stopped there during his travels through South Bohemia, though this is a folk tradition rather than a documented fact.

How do you get to the ruins? A marked educational nature trail starting near Jesenice leads to the castle and is accessible on foot.