Chudý Hrádek Castle, also known simply as Hrádek or Poustka, was built in the second half of the 14th century on a rocky spur above the valley of the Dolský Stream near Dubá. The first written mention of the castle dates from 1391.
Its strategic position above the confluence of two streams, surrounded by rocky terrain, provided natural protection. The only access was from the south, across a long rampart and ditch defending the castle complex. The castle was most likely founded by the Lords of Dubá as part of their extensive estate. A record from 1391 states that it belonged to Jindřich Berka the Elder of Dubá, who divided his possessions among his sons while keeping Hrádek for himself. In 1402, the castle passed to his younger son Jindřich, known as Vaněk, and descendants of the Berka family continued to live there until at least the mid-15th century.
Between 1519 and 1522, the castle belonged to Jiří Kaplíř Osterský of Sulevice, who later sold it to Václav of Vartemberk.
During the 16th century, the castle gradually declined in importance and was probably abandoned in around 1560. The last written reference to it dates from 1622, when Jan Jiří of Vartemberk was stripped of all his property for his part in the Bohemian Estates’ Revolt. By then, the castle was already described as uninhabited and derelict.
The main surviving remains of Chudý Hrádek are the ruins of the castle palace, the walls of which still reach up to the first floor, still with their windows and arrow slits. Parts of the fortifications, the ditch and rampart, and a well or cistern have also been preserved. Nowadays, the site is freely accessible and is an interesting place to stop at on a walk, with the modest but still clearly visible remains of the original Gothic castle.
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