Bohemian Paradise

The Czech Republic does not cover an extensive area, but all the more surprising is its wide variety. One of the most remarkable spots is Bohemian Paradise. In prehistoric times, a Cretaceous sea submerged the whole region. When the sea disappeared, substantial sediments remained, creating an extensive sandstone tableland. Subsequently, this table was cut into smaller parts by the activity of the forces coming from the interior of the earth. The repeated eruption of volcanic minerals formed what was to become a basaltic hill. Picturesque valleys, fairy-tale shapes of sandstone rocks and romantic rocks resembling towns emerges. The Jizera River, which changed its riverbed several times, also contributed to these transformations. Thus, the millions of years during which water, wind and other factors exerted their influence created this charming region. After the first articulation of the Cretaceous tableland, bizarre rock towns were formed by permanent erosion. The many different forms into which sandstone disintegrates may be found there, from rock towers to cavities. The great variety of the nature of Bohemian Paradise is also illustrated by the communities of plants and by the animals. Pines, birches, Norwegian spruces, and summer oaks also grow there. Visitors can meet foxes, red deer or beautifully colored kingfishers there. Drinking water flows from many wells along the rock walls.

The varied character of nature in this small area, which is exceptional in the Czech Republic because of its combination of nature and products made by man's own hands, are not the only reason why visitors return to Bohemian Paradise. Although traces of settlements may have already been found in prehistoric times, the medieval fortified castles (Trosky, Kost, Frydstejn, Valecov) and the chateaux (Hruby Rohozec, Hruba Skala, Humprecht) are the most distinctive monuments. We must not forget to mention precious stones (agates, jaspers, amethysts, and chalcedonies) that are found around Mount Kozakov.

The present Protected Landscape Area provides the territorial protection of only selected places. Therefore, a substantial enlargement of the protected area is being prepared with the aim of preserving, and renewing, the basic functions of the landscape for posterity too.

Trosky

This castle is an unmistakable dominating point of Bohemian Paradise. Lord Cenek of Vartemberk had a fortified castle built on two basaltic rocks from 1380 to 1390 and his builders used the two to construct the castle towers on them. The higher and slenderer tower was named Panna (The Virgin) and the lower and stockier was called Baba (The Hag).

Kost

Kost is one of the best-preserved castles in Bohemia. Built in 14th century during the lifetime of Petr Vartemberk. The prismatic tower has an unusual trapezoid ground plan, which makes it possible to see all its four edges. Its irregular shape was a part of the defense system.

Hruby Rohozec

The castle was built around 1280. The subsequent reconstructions gave it the features of both a Renaissance palace and an Empire-style chateau. The visitors to the castle may see its richly furnished interiors in addition to an exhibition showing the evolution of house furnishings.



More information: www.cesky-raj.info