Kokorin

#201 Hrad Kokořín
aka Kokorin Castle
Dokeska Hills region, Czech Republic
1320 and later
This is NOT an official Lego site

Kokořín Castle rises on a serpentine promontory of the Kokořínský důl Nature Preserve, above the valley of the Pšovka River. Its somewhat remote location made it both an attractive secluded residence and an unlikely battle site. The earlier "castle" in the valley was called Staráky and its remnants now consist of numerous caves on five different levels, which likely were fronted with some sort of fortifications. It's a fascinating area.

The first mention of the current fortress is a document from 1320, when Hynek Berka of Dubá, one of the richest and most powerful lords of Bohemia, acquired the Kokořín estate and proceeded to build a new castle on the site, just over a mile north of the old "castle". In 1427 Kokořín was owned by Aleš Škopek, also of Dubá, who had the timely misfortune to declare himself on the side of the Roman Catholics, and the pre-Protestant followers of theologian Jan Hus, known as the Hussites, conquered and ravaged the castle. The ruin passed through multiple owners over the next 300 years, with no important restorations occurring. Then in the mid-18th century, the Countess Barbora O'Reillová inherited the ruin and made major renovations.

From 1807 Kokořín had several more owners, until 1894 when Prague businessman and landowner Václav Špaček purchased the castle. In 1911 his son Jan began a 5 year project to further renovate the castle. In 1951 the castle was confiscated by the communist Czechoslovakian state, and it became a national cultural monument in 2001. Hrad Kokořín was returned to the Špaček family, who have kept the unique fortress open to the public.


Welcome to Kokorin Castle!	Let's take a tour, beginning naturally at the Main Gate.	The entrance is guarded by a consider- able chasm...	...and a very tall and machicolated curtain wall.	We proceed along a narrow passage next to the Old Palace.	And we are the lower courtyard with a view of both the New Palace and the massive Tower.


We can now look back and see the Old Palace.	Above the courtyard, the curtain wall walk connects the Old and New Palaces.	Climbing the steps up to the New Palace, we are greeted by a friendly (?) gargoyle.	And a pleasant view of the lower courtyard.	The small middle courtyard features entrances to both New Palace and Stair Turret.

Photos of the Lego Model Under Construction early 2026

On January 24 construction begins, with the 8 foot long,...	...sausage-shaped model laid out. The exact substructure will be addressed as the build progresses.	The layout from the Tower end.	And from the north sdie.


By the next day, the castle outline is augmented...	...by the beginnings of the natural ridge upon which the castle was situated.	Again, here's the January 25 view from the north.


As the ridge is filled in. I decided to construct my model from the entrance...	...and proceed along the ridge which becomes more elevated along with the castle.	This highlights the skill of the original designers. And we quickly move from...	...the tiny outer courtyard to the much more complex middle court!


By the end of January, the lower castle is well defined...	...as are the Old Palace and curtain walls.	And the entrance wall...	...and sides of the castle slowly rise above the now embellished ridge upon which it rests.


As the project moves into February, the Tower end...	...of the castle is better defined, and the rest of the castle gradually rises.	The substructure to support the massive Tower is built.	And the curtain wall walk which connects the Old and New Palaces is almost complete.


At the west end of the castle, the tall Tower is first defined...	...and the upper courtyard, [of which I could find no pictures], is created.	Back on the east end, construction is almost complete.	With the deck off the Old Palace it offers excellent protection!


As the first week of February ends...	...both the Tower and the New Palace are well defined, and the south curtain with postern gate is rising...	...as is the north face of this formidable fortress. The next 13 days are a Florida vacation break.	On February 21, the curtain wall is only wanting for battlements.


The middle stair turret is taking shape.	The statue adorning the New Palace is the wife of Václav Špaček, who spearheaded the castle renovation.	And the New Palace itself is getting a roof...	...and the stair turret leading to the Tower's only door is ready for the Tower itself! See below!

Photos of the Lego Model
Built January - February, 2026
I debated building this wonderful castle in either light grey
or tan Lego. Photos suggested something in between.
I've gone with TAN to give myself more near future flexibility.


Here	Fro	Fro	From


Here	Fro	Fro	From


Here	Fro	Fro	From


Cutaway drawing	Plan of the Castle with scale	Elevation of the Tower


Top down plan	Elevation


Elevation	Cross-section	Elevation