Levnov Castle

Levnov castle is a medieval fortress ruin situated in the municipality of Ketkovice, in the modern Czech Republic. Its origins trace back to medieval European civilization, with architectural and historical ties to the Knights Templar and several noble families.

The earliest known record of Levnov dates to 1358, when it was owned by Lev of Levnov, regarded as the principal founder who established the castle as a significant seat for the Lords of Löwenau. However, archaeological and historical evidence suggest the castle’s foundation likely occurred earlier, in the mid-13th century, built originally by the Knights Templar. This places Levnov within the wave of fortified sites constructed in Central Europe during the period, serving military and administrative purposes. Following the end of the Levnov family, ownership passed by the late 14th century to the Lords of Leipa, another prominent noble house.

During the late 14th and early 15th centuries, Levnov’s control changed amid regional conflict. The Moravian Margrave Wars, fought between rivals Jobst and Prokop, saw the castle taken into possession by various influential patrician families from Kuttenberg before ultimately reverting to the Lords of Leipa. This period reflects the castle’s strategic importance in local power struggles.

After the Hussite Wars, a series of religiously influenced conflicts throughout Bohemia and Moravia, Levnov fell into the hands of a mercenary group under Burghart Kienberger. These soldiers used the fortress as a base from which they carried out raids across the surrounding lands. The widespread disruptions prompted intervention by the Moravian Landtag (the regional assembly), which ordered Levnov to be redeemed by Bertold of Leipa. Following this action, to prevent further lawlessness, the castle was deliberately demolished in 1442.

Over time, knowledge of the castle’s original name faded, and its location was misidentified until 1970. That year, historian Vladimír Voldán uncovered archival evidence that confirmed the site as the long-lost Levnov, ending earlier confusion and restoring the castle’s historical identity. Today, Levnov is legally protected as a cultural monument by the Czech Republic.