Stará Dubá Castle

The ruins of Stará Dubá Castle occupy a raised promontory overlooking the Sázava River, with its layout reflecting the defensive needs and residential functions of a medieval noble stronghold. Unlike typical castles that feature an outer ward or bailey, this complex integrated the adjacent fortified town of Odranec directly with the main castle structures. The town’s fortifications partially connected to the castle walls, effectively expanding the defensive perimeter without the necessity of a separate outer enclosure.

A moat encircles the castle on its promontory side, creating a defensive barrier separating it from the surrounding land. Immediately behind this moat lies a small courtyard fortified with additional defensive works that extend into a barbican—a fortified outwork—protecting the rear access to the castle.

One of the most prominent features of the site is a large tower, though its collapsed masonry now partially conceals much of the original ground level, causing the current surface to lie higher than it did during medieval times. Behind the ruins of this tower sits the castle’s residential section, which comprised four wings forming a compact rectangular courtyard, providing a sheltered living space within the fortress walls.

Further within the castle grounds, archaeologists have identified the remains of a substantial building buried beneath rubble accumulated to roof height. This structure likely served as a significant hall or gathering place during the castle’s occupation.

In the area southwest of the castle, vestiges of siege fortifications survive. These include a command post and a position where artillery was emplaced, positions that saw action during the 15th-century attack responsible for damaging adjacent walls. These military features offer direct archaeological evidence of the castle’s final conflict and destruction.