Discover Nový Hrádek – Frymburk Castle and Šibeník

Nový Hrádek can be viewed from different angles when planning a trip: Frymburk Castle represents local history and castle architecture, while Šibeník puts the views and landscape in the spotlight. The Marian Column and the Church of St Peter and Paul add to the historic sights around the square. If you are looking for a hotel in Nový Hrádek, these differences can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Frymburk Castle: history and architecture

The ruins of Frymburk Castle near Nový Hrádek form a two-part castle complex on a high rocky spur surrounded by the Olešenka River. The complex is defined by both its architecture and its setting. The castle is also known as Frimburk and was in use from the 14th to the 17th century. Frimburk is another name for the same castle; the period of its use gives it historical context.

One striking feature of the complex is its irregularly shaped round tower. It is about 18 metres wide, and its masonry is up to four metres thick. These figures describe different measurements: the width gives an idea of the tower’s size, while the wall thickness describes the dimensions of its walls. Together, they provide a concrete impression of this distinctive part of the castle.

Views and getting your bearings at Šibeník

The Rozhledna na Šibeníku observation tower is 47 metres high, with its viewing platform 32 metres above the ground. These figures refer to two different points of reference: the tower’s overall height and the height of the platform. The tower is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. As access arrangements may change, check the latest information about access and admission before your visit.

The Stations of the Cross on Šibeník first offer views of the Eagle Mountains and the Olešenka Valley, and at the end of the route, views of the Krkonoše Mountains. The sequence itself is a useful point of reference: the view changes as you follow the route. This makes the landscape description different from the fixed height measurements of the observation tower. If you would like to include different landscape views in your plans, this route offers a specific sequence rather than a single height measurement.

There are several specific points of reference for getting your bearings at Šibeník. There is a car park at the Šibeník Tourist Information Centre, 200 metres from the observation tower. The Nový Hrádek-škola and Nový Hrádek-náměstí bus stops are further points of reference. There is also a marked footpath from Nový Hrádek square. The car park’s distance is measured from the observation tower; the stops and square help you prepare for your visit in other ways.

Historic buildings around the square

The sandstone Marian Column, dating from the late Baroque period, stands in Nový Hrádek square. It is about six metres high and topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary dating from 1747. In May 1958, the column was designated a protected cultural monument. The monument can therefore be understood in terms of both its design and material and its later designation. The dates serve different purposes: 1747 relates to the statue of the Virgin Mary, while 1958 refers to its protected status.

The Church of St Peter and Paul stands on the north-west side of the square. Its interior includes furnishings from several historical periods, from the early Baroque to the present day. One specific example is the side altar of St Joseph, dating from the late 17th century. The altar can thus be assigned to a particular period, while the rest of the furnishings span a broader range of time. If you are interested in sacred art, these details let you compare one dated furnishing with the wider range of styles found in the church interior.

Discover more destinations: Šestajovice U Jaroměře, Rožnov, Heřmánkovice, Nové Mesto Nad Metují, Jetřichov, Sendraž, Hermanice, Červená Hora

For the broader travel overview: Okres Náchod.