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Valdek is a castle ruin in the municipality of Chaloupky in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. The name is probably derived from two German words: Wald (the forest) and Eck (a widespread part of places' names, meaning rock formation).
The castle was built around the middle of the 13th century (first written mention comes from the year 1263) by an aristocratic Buzic family. In 1623 it was described as abandoned.[1] Passing centuries left only ruins, dominated by a still standing large round tower (bergfrit), built during the second half of the 13th century.
In 1926, the area around the castle became part of the Military training area Jince. The castle itself was still accessible (except during manoeuvres). After 1950, no access was allowed. After 1989, it became possible to visit the castle again but tourists were not allowed to stray from the road to the castle.
References:House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) is a building situated in the old town of Riga. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried German merchants in Riga. Major works were done in the years 1580 and 1886, adding most of the ornaments.
The structure was bombed to a ruin by the Germans June 28, 1941 and the remains demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999. Today the House of Blackheads serves as a museum and sometimes concert hall.