The ruins of Michalovice Castle hold a genuinely record-breaking claim to fame - the Putna Tower here is recognized as the most tilted structure in the world. Perched above the Jizera River just 3 km northwest of Mladá Boleslav, this Gothic castle was built by the powerful Markvartic family in the second half of the 13th century.

The castle sits on a steep triangular spur, 250 meters above sea level, with atmospheric views over the river valley below. Wandering through the narrow parkans, moats and crumbling walls feels like stepping into a medieval tale, especially in autumn or early spring when mist settles over the Jizera. The site has a wild, weathered charm that rewards visitors willing to explore its layout on foot.

How to get there

• From Mladá Boleslav - approx. 3 km, walking trail, easy
• Reachable via footpaths along the Jizera River from nearby villages

Practical information

• Protected as a cultural monument since 1967
• The Putna Tower has served as a lookout tower since 1911
• The tower's tilt measures 6.51°, a world record among unintentionally leaning structures

Legend has it that treasure hunters caused the tower to crack and lean while digging for a hidden hoard - and in 1935, workers repairing the tower actually found a pouch with about 470 silver coins from the Thirty Years' War buried right beneath it.