Pasovary Fortress
The ruins of this 14th-century Gothic fortress are about 15 km southwest of Český Krumlov in the extinct village of Pasovary. The fortress has been protected as a cultural monument since 1958.
History and architecture
The name of the fortress and the former adjacent village is derived from the German word "Passauer" (citizen of Passau) after the first inhabitants who came as colonists from the environs of Passau in the mid-13th century. In 1910 the village of Pasovary had a total of 32 houses. After World War II the original population was expelled; the village was not repopulated and vanished.
The fortress: A two-storey square tower in the middle of the crumbling courtyard has been preserved. It probably dates back to the second half of the 14th century and still bears several preserved stone elements (window and door jambs, supports). Other important spaces are the cellars of the Gothic and Renaissance palaces. In 2018-2020, the Gothic cellars of the south palace of the fortress were structurally secured.
Present
One of the cellars is currently managed by the association 'Z Pasovar', running a small museum where you can learn more about Pasovary. On the second Saturday in August every year, a musical fundraising event called Pasovarské tvrzení (the Pasovary Fortress Festival) is held in the former village. Apart from listening to live music, visitors can learn about the history of Pasovary during a guided tour and make a voluntary contribution to the restoration of the fortress.
The only restored house from the original buildings is situated north of the fortress, and adjacent to it there is a farm and pastures with cattle and horses. Upon arrangement, you can take a horseback ride through the surrounding picturesque countryside. Contact: Eliška Princová, +420 737 405 209.