The castle was first mentioned in records dating from 1324. It was established beside a salt trade route from Mišeň to Česká Lípa by the Ronovec family. The edges of the outcrop, which was a level summit, were carved to resemble castle walls with loopholes, and some of the gullies in the outcrop were filled in with masonry. Thanks to an ingenious system of trenches it was possible to flood the area around the rocks. The combination of natural conditions and human ingenuity turned the castle into a fortress unassailable by medieval warriors. During the Thirty Years' War, Knight Mikeš Pančiř of Smojna was based here and launched a raid on Lužice, and as a consequence the castle was besieged in 1445–45. When the starving troops capitulated after three months of isolation it was burned down by the end of 1427. The castle was repaired, but it gradually ceased to meet the desired standards of comfort, and during the 16th century it was deserted and became dilapidated. In 1639 the Swedes burned it down, and the castle became a ruin. From 1670 to 1785 hermits were based here, making use of the rock for their needs. Among other things, they carved out new rooms and created recesses for the Stations of the Cross, built a chapel in the rock and formed a new entrance. Historical documents talk about several men: Konstantin was a bricklayer; Vaclav painted a solar clock on the wall; and an optician and gardener called Samuel grew corn on the plains around the castle, as well as wine on its southern terraces. After the hermitage ceased to exist the state owners, the Kinský dynasty, turned the complex into a romantic tourist attraction. Little has been preserved of the original structure on the elevated plateau, although the spaces sunk into the rock can be clearly seen today like the dungeon, well, hermitage, passage and the terraced walkways. In the former prison, dungeon carvings have been preserved, which were dug out of the walls by former prisoners. Sloup has now become a romantic place for outings and occasionally candlelit concerts and historical jousting matches are held.

Ve skalách bylo objeveno při průzkumech mnoho nálezů, dokládajících zdejší pravěké osídlení lidmi z pozdní doby kamenné a později Germány. Samotný hrad postavili asi ve 13. století Ronovci, (zmiňován je roku 1290 Čeněk z Ojvína) a brzy se jej ujala jejich příbuzenská větev pánů Berků z Dubé. Ke konci období husitských válek (uvádí se rok 1427) se na hradě usídlil loupeživý rytíř (lapka) Mikeš (či Mikuláš) Pancíř ze Smojna. Pod ochranou pánů z Vartenberka i odtud podnikal loupeživé výpravy do Lužice. V roce 1444 odvetná výprava vojska z Lužice znamenala obléhání hradu, nicméně dobyt nebyl. O rok později další výprava hrad znovu oblehla, obránce nechala vyhladovět a nakonec jej vypálila. Mikeš sice Lužičanům slíbil, že hrad neobnoví, avšak jakmile vojska odešla, během tří let hrad obnovil a ve svých loupeživých výpravách po okolí pokračoval. Roku 1455 jej předal svým synům. Na počátku roku 1471 jej koupili znovu Berkové z Dubé. Během třicetileté války, roku 1639, byl zničen švédskými vojsky vedenými generálem Johanem Banérem a pak již obnoven nikdy nebyl.

Services in the parking area below the castle parking for 20 CZK (2 hours at most) Adults over 16 years: 70 CZK - Children between 6 – 16 years - Full-time students (valid student card necessary) - Disabled (valid cards necessary) - Seniors over 65 40 CZK Family ticket (Father + mother + 1 or 2 children (6-16 years)): 175 CZK - Group leaders and teachers - Disabled children Additional Service Wedding ceremonies in the castle church For special moments such as wedding ceremonies, the church and the cloister halls are available to you. Separating this space from the usual tourist activities, we provide a peaceful and undisturbed setting for your wedding needs. Sale at the cash desk You are welcome to buy different gifts and souveniers at the cash desk located at the castle entrance. Shop in the Baroque House on the top platform The Prague designer Katerina Kocková sells her hand-made original clothing, accessories and small gifts in the Baroque House on the top platform. Services in the parking area below the castle parking for 20 CZK (2 hours at most) WC snack stand – opens usually at Easter, in everyday service from the 1st May

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