The Rock Castle Sloup. Skalni hrad sloup

Sloup is a small town in northern Bohemia, located near the town of Nový Bor. One of its greatest tourist attractions is the ruins of a medieval fortified castle perched on a picturesque cliff. Its history dates back to the 13th century, when caves carved into the rock provided shelter for its inhabitants. Of particular note is the massive 7-meter-high rock opening, resembling a bell, which was once used as a grain storage bin. Over the following centuries, the rock fortress was successively expanded and extended. At the turn of the 14th and 17th centuries, the surrounding area, including the castle, belonged to members of the powerful Berek family of Dube (heirs of the Ronovce family).