Zvíkov Castle was founded in the early 13th century during the reign of King Přemysl Otakar I. It is located in the Southern Bohemia region, at the convergence of the Vlatva and Otova rivers. This valuable strategic location ensured that the castle would survive years of turmoil. For example, in 1429, it overcame a four-month siege during the Hussite civil wars. Then, in 1618, the castle was assaulted again during the Thirty Years War. The Holy Roman Empire attacked with 4,000 soldiers, but Zvíkov’s garrison of only 140 men was able to defend the castle.
Despite this impressive victory, the Empire eventually conquered, looted, and vandalized the castle in 1622. For the next two centuries, the castle was largely disregarded and mainly used for farming. The structures deteriorated and were further damaged by fire in 1751. It was eventually restored by the owners of the land in the 1840s. Thanks to their efforts, Zvíkov Castle is now one of the oldest and most well-preserved castles in the Czech Republic. Visitors today can enjoy the unique Gothic architecture and the 16th-century murals in the St. Wenceslas Chapel.
Others are drawn to Zvíkov Castle by the bizarre legends that surround it. It is said to be inhabited by a mischievous supernatural entity called a Rarášek, which translates to devil or imp. According to local folklore, the Zvíkovský Rarášek has been known to poke or trip visitors and cause animals to act strangely. This creature even inspired Ladislav Stroupežnický, a 19th-century playwright, to create a comedic opera named after it. The Rarášek did not seem to appreciate its fame, however, since it also allegedly caused technical difficulties for several movie-makers who filmed in the castle. Zvíkov is also rumored to house a ghost known as The White Lady, who sometimes alarms visitors by wandering through the castle. In addition, there are stories of hellhounds guarding a secret passage in the catacombs, as well as a legend that anyone who spends a night at the Hlizova tower will die within a year.
Written by Maya Bouchebl
Sources:
Bedford, Neal, Jane Rawson, and Matt Warren. Czech & Slovak Republics. Oakland: Lonely Planet Publications, 2004.
David, Petr, Vladimír Soukup, and Lubomír Čech. Wonders of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. Prague : Knižní klub, 2004.
Havlová, Mája. South Bohemia: Castles, Mansions, Historical Towns. České Budějovice: Unios CB, 2001.
Zvíkov. “The History of Zvíkov Castle.” Accessed June 20, 2024. History - Zvíkov (hrad-zvikov.cz)