Říčany Castle

Říčany castle, situated within the modern municipality of Říčany in the Czech Republic, was built by members of the medieval Bohemian nobility. The fortress emerged shortly after 1260, under the initiative of Ondřej of Všechromy, who is recorded as the castle’s owner by 1289. Ondřej held the significant court position of highest chamberlain to King Přemysl Otakar II and established the noble lineage known as the Lords of Říčany.

Initially, the castle was constructed as a comfortable noble residence rather than a purely military stronghold. Ondřej’s descendants continued to inhabit the site, including his son Oldřich, who served as a high provincial judge. Ownership later transferred within the family branches to Jimram of Průhonice, a relative from another segment of the Lords of Říčany.

During the early 15th century, in the period of religious and political upheaval known as the Hussite Wars, Diviš of Průhonice opposed the Hussite movement. This stance led to a siege by forces from Prague, followed by the arrival and intervention of the Hussite commander Jan Žižka’s Taborite army. The castle changed hands during this tumultuous time, falling under Hussite control after the siege and eventually coming under Prague’s administration.

Over the subsequent decades, the castle’s strategic and residential importance declined. By the 1480s, it came into possession of the Trčka family of Lípa. After 1516, the site was neglected and allowed to deteriorate until it was recorded as abandoned by 1544. In the 20th century, starting from 1966, the ruins of the castle have been legally safeguarded as a protected cultural monument.