THE FORTIFICATIONS
Introduction
Due to its location in a deep valley surrounded by dense, almost impenetrable forests, the town did not initially rush to fortify itself. The natural terrain provided sufficient protection.
Only in 1526 was the town enclosed by fortifications, through the construction of bastions at its upper and lower ends.
Upper and Lower Bastions
The upper bastion stood near the last house, no. 216, while the lower one was located near today’s Haus Regrus, originally known as Zum weisse Hof.
The fortification consisted of a gate tower topped with a tent roof. From it extended a defensive wall with loopholes on both sides, reaching into the slope. The system was simple but functional.
Written Records
The bastions are still mentioned in an Imperial protocol dated 17 April 1769 in connection with the repair of the northern, already dilapidated bastion. This confirms the long-lasting presence of the fortifications.
Demolition
Both gates and the fortification walls were demolished in 1835 during the construction of the new imperial road to Ostrov and Boží Dar, marking the definitive disappearance of this historic element of the town’s appearance.
