Czechia · Ruin
Rabí Castle
Rabí is a large medieval hilltop castle in the Plzeň Region of the Czech Republic, noted as the country's largest castle by area and protected as a national cultural monument. Originating in the 14th century and substantially remodelled in the late 15th century, it now survives as extensive ruined masonry above a small village on a prominent hill beside the Otava River.
First raised
1400
Its prime
1500
Today
Ruin
As it stood in 1500
The shape it held in its prime.
Massive, light-grey stone ruins occupy the crest of a wooded hill above a small village and red‑roofed church; a broad, rectangular keep and several high curtain walls and square towers form a layered, three-tiered silhouette. Thick ramparts and the bases of bastions remain; the ruins rise directly from the tree line, with segments of living quarters and service buildings stepping down the slope. The overall material is pale local stone with large ashlar blocks and exposed wall cores.
Its story
The story of Rabí Castle.
Rabí is the largest castle by area in the Czech Republic, set on a prominent hill above a small village beside the Otava. The Lords of Velhartice likely established it after 1300, to protect the trade routes along the river and to inspect its gold-bearing deposits.
The Švihovský of Rýzmburk family continued the building work, adding the outer ward and two square towers. At the start of the Hussite rebellions the family sought havens at Rabí for supporters of the Catholic side and their treasures, but the building activity exhausted the Švihovský finances and the fortifications remained incomplete; the estate was sold in 1549, and the new owners did not invest in the castle.
The House of Chanov, from Dlouhá Ves, bought the castle in 1570, and the Lamberk family held it from 1708 until 1920, when they donated it to the Horažďovice Society for the Preservation of Artistic, Cultural and Natural Monuments for a symbolic price of one crown. Taken by the Czechoslovak state after 1945, the great ruin was proclaimed a national cultural monument in 1978.
Step inside
8 places to explore in 1500.
The record describes 8 distinct spots at Rabí Castle — including 3 interiors: inner courtyard (bailey), residential palace and chambers, prismatic tower (tower cell). Create your own photoreal reconstruction and walk through every one — more scenes means more photos, more angles and more rooms of the immersive experience.
Create History
Recreate Rabí Castle with AI to explore it.
The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1500 — a photoreal walk that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.
Recreate Castle to Explore →Whose castle
Clans who held Rabí Castle.
The families that held Rabí Castle for a decade or more across its history — follow a name to its clan.
Velhartice
The Lords of Velhartice likely established the castle after 1300 to protect trade routes along the Otava.
Švihovský
The Švihovský of Rýzmburk family built the outer ward and towers before the estate was sold in 1549.
Chanov
The House of Chanov, from Dlouhá Ves, bought the castle in 1570.
Lamberk
Held by the Lamberk family from 1708 until 1920, when they donated the castle for a symbolic price of 1 CSK.
