The ruins of Lichnice Castle (also: Lichtenburk Castle) are on the edge of the Iron Mountains, near the Czech village of Podhradí, in the municipality of Třemošnice, about 15 kilometres (9 mi) east of Čáslav.

Lichnice Castle
Castle Lichtenburg,
Burg Lichnice, Burg Lichtemburk
Podhradí, near Třemošnice
Ruins of the castle
Lichnice Castle is located in Czech Republic
Lichnice Castle
Lichnice Castle
Coordinates49°52′45″N 15°35′11″E / 49.879105°N 15.586251°E / 49.879105; 15.586251
TypeCastle
Site information
Conditionruins
Site history
Builtfirst half of the 13th century
Airfield information
Elevation487 m (1,598 ft) AMSL

History

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The castle was probably constructed as a royal base in the first half of the 13th century. It was first mentioned in 1261, when it was in possession of Smil of Ronow, who called himself "Smil of Lichtenburg" and thereby created the "von Lichtenburg" family.

The castle had a triangular floor plan with two residential towers. In the 14th century, alterations were made, and it was reacquired by the Bohemian Crown in 1410. It was conquered in 1421, during the Hussite Wars, and besieged unsuccessfully in 1428.

In 1490, the castle and estate of Lichtenburg were acquired by the Trčka of Lípa family, who rebuilt the castle in a late Gothic style.

The edifice lost its importance at the end of the 16th century, and the fortifications were dismantled. By 1700, it was already described as a ruin.

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