Děvičky
- Classification
- Château fort
- Pays
- Tchéquie
- Région
- Břeclav
- Adresse
- Pavlov, 69201 Pavlov
On the north-eastern spur of the Pavlovské vrchy hills in southern Moravia stands the ruin of Děvičky Castle. Its origins are connected with royal ownership — it appears to have taken the form of a residential tower enclosed by a curtain wall. Later — probably under Wenceslaus II — it was remodelled as a castle with a mantle wall, where royal castellans served. In 1334 King John of Luxembourg granted Děvičky in fief to the Liechtenstein family, who held it until the second half of the 16th century. They made only minor alterations (the construction of a chapel), unless the modification associated with Wenceslaus II dates from this period. Between 1575 and 1577 the Dietrichstein family, who were consolidating the previously fragmented Mikulov estate, made a Renaissance remodelling of Děvičky. This consisted of the addition of a transverse, two-storey eastern wing with a chimney, which in its mass overtopped the medieval mantle wall. By the close of the 16th century the castle "with all its rooms both above and below, with the forecourt and all appurtenances" remained inhabited and in use. This continued during the Thirty Years' War; according to tradition, Děvičky was damaged in 1646 by the Swedes during their retreat after penetrating the region in an attempt to occupy Vienna. After the war the Dietrichsteins secured Děvičky so that it would continue to fulfil its function as a border stronghold. A watchman lived there, ringing bells against storms and fires. From the end of the 18th century Děvičky remained a ruin, growing ever more popular among visitors and tourists. It is currently cared for by the Památky Pálavy volunteer association.