Story about the Kost castle (in English - the Bone)
The Clever Legend of Kost Castle: How a Pork Head Fooled the Hussites
Kost Castle, hidden deep in the forests of the Bohemian Paradise, is one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in the Czech Republic. Unlike many other castles, it was never destroyed — which means visitors today can admire it almost exactly as it looked in the Middle Ages.
But Kost is not only known for its impressive architecture. It also carries one of the most charming Czech legends: the story of how a single pork head and a barrel of wine saved the castle from the mighty Hussite army.
Let's dive into the tale.
A Siege by the Fearsome Hussites
According to legend, the events took place during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century. The famous Czech commander Jan Žižka, undefeated in countless battles, arrived at Kost Castle and attempted to seize it.
But the fortress was strong. The defenders fought bravely, and every Hussite attack was pushed back. Unable to break the walls, Žižka decided to starve the garrison into surrender.
His troops surrounded the entire castle — "tight as a steel chain," the story says — making sure that not even a mouse could escape.
Weeks went by. Žižka's men grew tired, hungry and impatient. But what they didn't know was that things were even worse inside the castle…
Only One Pork Head Left
Inside Kost, food supplies were nearly gone. Rations were cut again and again, until finally the defenders discovered that they had only one pork head and one barrel of wine left.
Just when all hope seemed lost, one of the castle's soldiers came up with a brilliant idea.
He suggested staging a grand feast — even if the plates were empty.
That evening the Hussite soldiers in the valley heard loud singing, clinking of cups and the clatter of knives on plates.
It sounded like a celebration, not a starving garrison.
The noise made the hungry attackers furious.
The Genius Trick
The next morning, the clever soldier walked onto the battlements.
He carried the last roasted pork head and the last barrel of wine — the castle's final food reserves.
Then he threw them down into the Hussite camp and shouted:
"Here! Celebrate with us!
We still have enough food for months!"
The camp exploded with anger.
Žižka's starving troops refused to continue the siege if the defenders were supposedly feasting.
The great commander had no choice.
He ordered the horns to sound retreat.
As he left, he allegedly muttered the words:
"The castle is as hard as a bone — and a bone belongs to a dog."
In Czech, kost means "bone".
And so, the legend says, the castle gained its name: Kost — "The Bone".
Why the Boar's Head in the Coat of Arms?
The story goes further. Because of this event, the castle's owners placed a boar's head in their coat
of arms.
Another tale gives a different explanation: An ancestor of Jan of Šelmberk, named Dětříšek Buzivec, was said to be so strong that he once caught a wild boar by the ears and carried it alive back to the castle. For such strength and bravery, he supposedly placed the boar's head on his shield.
Regardless of which story you prefer, the symbol has remained connected to Kost Castle ever since.
Why Visit Kost Castle Today?
Kost is one of the most atmospheric medieval castles in Czechia. Visitors can explore:
preserved Gothic halls
the mighty defensive tower
a beautiful Renaissance wing
peaceful courtyards
and forested surroundings perfect for hiking
For anyone traveling beyond Prague, Kost offers a perfect combination of history, legends and quiet natural beauty — the kind of place that makes you feel as if you stepped straight into the Middle Ages.