Kuchyňa Castle

The castle occupied an elongated, oval core aligned along a longitudinal axis, with a substantial stone tower placed at each end. These towers formed the principal vertical elements of the enclosure and defined the overall silhouette of the stronghold.

Each tower enclosed an internal chamber exceeding four by four metres and was built with very thick masonry, about two metres in width. The size and solidity of these towers indicate they served both defensive functions and provided sheltered living space.

Between the towers the terrain shows large sloping blocks of masonry on the hillside, which point to an extended platform that was protected by a wall and probably contained only minor constructions. In a lower position the inner enclosure was ringed by additional defensive works, interpreted as a rampart with a palisade, and the gentler southern approach was strengthened by a doubled defensive arc to increase protection.

Within the lower fortification area a hollow in the northwest sector has been interpreted as related to ancillary, possibly agricultural, buildings associated with the castle’s service functions. Fragments of embossed ceramic tiles, recovered from heating installations in interior rooms, show that some chambers were richly appointed. Today the remains are modest and fragmentary, giving clear testimony to the layout and building techniques while preserving parts of the towers and the surrounding defensive earthworks in situ.