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Address Zřícenina hradu Žumberk, 538 36 Žumberk, Czechia Similar Rabštejnek Castle, Burg Košumberk, Lichnice Castle, Bohemian‑Moravian Highlands, Kunětice Mountain Castle | ||
The ruins of Žumberk Castle (Czech: Hrad Žumberk, german: Burg Sonnenberg) can be found next to the village of Žumberk in the Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic.
History
The castle was probably built during the end of the 13th century, on a hilltop above the village, and was known under the german name Sunenberg (or Sonnenberg, later Sommerberg), which means sun (german = Sonne) mountain (or later namend summer (german = Sommer) mountain). Its walls formed a pentagon and were surrounded by a deep moat, with a service yard was placed next to the castle. Later, a township grew up under the hill.
The first known owner of the castle and neighbouring villages was a robber knight; ownership of the castle changed many times afterwards. At the beginning of the 18th century, the castle was not inhabited, though during 1760–70 a physician lived there. The castle became desolate and was left to be a source of construction material.
During 1926–48 the castle was owned by the Club of Czech Tourists, and its structure was stabilized to prevent further destruction. Today the village is responsible for its maintenance, and access to the castle is unlimited and free.