Bítov Castle, summer residence of bats high above the river

The medieval castle standing on a promontory in the bend of the Želetavka River was founded by Prince Břetislav I on the site of the original Great Moravian fort. The palace, inhabited by many notable personalities over the centuries, is today a summer haven for giant bats. The ancient dungeons then serve as winter quarters for seven other types of aircraft.
Bítov was founded in the 11th century as the first of a chain of castles to protect the southern...