Oltářík

On the solitary volcanic hill Hrádek, in the picturesque České středohoří Mountains, stand the remains of the medieval Oltářík Castle, once known as Hrádek. Its foundations were laid in the first half of the fifteenth century by the Hussite captain Jakoubek z Vřesovic, primarily to serve as a military stronghold. Although lords from Polensko, the Zajíc family from Hazmburk, and lords from Illburk took turns here, the castle never served as a noble residence, with the exception of a brief period. Its fate remains shrouded in mystery to this day, as it perished in an unknown manner between the years 1468 and 1544. Today, this cultural monument is easily accessible via marked paths, and the reward for the climb is a magnificent panoramic view of the wide surroundings, inviting contemplation of the turbulent history of the place.