Probably the oldest aristocratic castle with two round towers, it was a favorite place of residence of Wenceslas IV, currently a romantic corner offering a view of the wide surroundings with the dominant neighboring Točník Castle. After Wenceslas reconstruction, it became one of the most beautiful residences in the country.
The castle was founded in the second half of the 13th century by a member of the powerful Buzic family on a trade trip to Bavaria. In 1342, the castle became royal property. King Charles IV often used it as a stop on his travels to the Empire, until his first-born son Wenceslas died here at Christmas 1351. In 1392, King Wenceslas IV confirmed a charter here that allowed the establishment of the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague’s Old Town. The Hussite wars hardly affected the castle, but they meant its transition into the hands of pledgeholders. From the beginning of the 16th century, the owners’ interest shifted to the nearby more comfortable Točník and Žebrák Castle began to deteriorate, which was also helped by treasure hunters. After a fire in 1532, the castle is remembered as deserted. The last aristocratic owner of the building, Josef Colloredo Mansfeld, sold the castle in the 1920s to the Czech Tourist Club. Žebrák Castle was used by the nobility and Czech kings from the middle of the 13th century. After the fire in 1395, Wenceslas IV had it rebuilt. At the same time, he founded a new castle Točník higher on the rock ridge. Wenceslas IV thus created a unique Czech fortification.
