Castles

Spiš Castle

200 meters above the surrounding land, located on a dolomite rock, there is one of the most precious cultural monuments – Spiš Castle (Spišský hrad). Spiš Castle was included in UNESCO list of monuments in 1993.

Spiš Castle is situated in a region called Spiš, above the town of Spišské podhradie and the village Žehra. It is an evidence of a huge architectural development from the 12th to 18th century and one of the largest castles in Central Europe with its area of 41426 m2.

History of the castle is very rich. It was built in the 12th century and soon became a political, administrative, economical and cultural centre of Szepes county (Slovakia was part of the Hungarian monarchy). Through its history it had more owners such as Hungarian kings, the Szápolyi family, the Thurzo family, the Csáky family. Since 1945 Spiš Castle is owned by Slovakia.

The collection of the Spiš Castle history is placed in Spiš Museum (Spišské Muzeum) that is located inside of the castle. You can find medieval arts and feudal jurisdiction there. It is opened to public from the beginning of May until the end of October.

Trenčín Castle

Trenčín Castle (Trenčiansky hrad) is the third-largest castle in Slovakia. It belongs to the National Cultural Monuments of Slovakia. Castle is situated on a steep slope above the city Trenčín.

History of the castle dates back to the Roman Empire. This is testified by the inscriptions on the walls of the castle – Latin writing about the victory of the Roman legions over Germans. The oldest part is a stone rotunda, probably built during the period of Great Moravia (9th century). The castle was also a residence of Matúš Csák who is one of the legends of Slovakia.

Castle is divided into upper and lower sections. Central medieval tower, the highest point of the city, is surrounded by several palace buildings. An old parish church and a small upper square (can be reached by historic stairs) are situated below the castle, on the hillside.

Bratislava Castle

Bratislava Castle (Bratislavský hrad) is situated on a rocky hill of the Little Carpathians in the centre of the city and is overlooking the river Danube. It also provides an excellent view of Bratislava and Austria. The massive building has four corner towers, reminding an upturned table.

Rich history of the castle started in the late Stone Age. It had a very important role in 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, as it was the Main Castle of the Kingdom of Hungary. During the centuries Bratislava castle was ruined by Celts, Romans, Germans, Slavs, Austrians and Hungarians. The castle had to be rebuilt several times. Latest reconstruction started in 2008 and should take 5 years.

Nowadays the Bratislava castle is used for exhibitions and state functions. You can find a Treasury of Slovakia on the ground floor. To other interesting things in the castle belong a collection of archeological findings, branch of Slovak National Museum that covers historical furniture, modern art and history. Gardens of the castle are the most convenient place for pleasant walks, offering beautiful views.

Bojnice Castle

One of the most romantic and most visited castles in Slovakia – Bojnice Castle (Bojnický zámok) is standing on the travertine hill above the town Bojnice. This beautiful castle is a national cultural monument and museum at the same time. It was declared as a National cultural monument in 1970.

First written record about the castle dates back to the year 1113. As it was originally built as a wooden fort, to reach its actual shape it was necessary to gradually replace the wood by stone. First owner was Matúš Csák who received the castle from the Hungarian King – László V. Held by more kings and noble families it went through more reconstructions; last great rebuilding from 1888 till 1909 was organized, architected and designed by Ján Pallfy. After his death the castle became a property of Ján Baťa (czech shoe magnate), from whom the communist Czechoslovak government confiscated the castle in 1945.

Because of the exceptional beauty, Bojnice Castle was used for filming several fairy tales and other movies. One of the main attractions is the International Festival of Ghosts held regularly in the end of April and beginning of May and Spirits or Summer Music Festival.

Museum located in the interior of the Castle is full of historical and artistic collections, such as historically important Late-Gothic altar of Bojnice from the 14th century or the original furniture of the Castle. Very interesting is also the cave under the castle that is connected to the 26 meters deep water well.

Devín Castle

One of the biggest castles in Slovakia – Devín Castle (Hrad Devín) is situated in the capital Bratislava. Castle is standing on the massive hill above the confluence of Danube and Morava rivers. It has been a National cultural monument since 1961. Nowadays the Castle serves mostly as a museum.

Devín Castle was built in 9th century and is one of the three oldest historically acknowledged castles in Slovakia. Due to its advantageous position it was able to control the most important trade routes along the Danube and part of Amber Road. This Slavic castle played a dominant role during the wars between Great Moravia and Franks. During the Great Moravian period a christian church has been built in the complex. After that, Devín Castle was owned by Hungarians, Pallfy family, destroyed by Napoleons troops, so due to its rich history it became a very important historical monument.

55 meters deep water well is situated on courtyard of the middle castle. Just next to it there is terrace with an unforgettable view to an abandoned amphitheatre with Danube behind it and the Austrian mountain Brausberg. During the main season there are many performances organized – historic fencing as an example. The castle is open to public from April to November except Mondays as all museums in Bratislava are closed on Mondays.

Orava Castle

Orava Castle (Oravský hrad) is a part of the most typical and natural regions of Slovakia. It is located on the rocky hill above Orava River and Oravský Podzámok village. Exhibitions of the Orava Museum – one of the most ancient museums in Slovakia, are organized inside the castle.

Castle was constructed in the 13th century from wood; slowly the wood was replaces by stone. During the Hungarian Kingdom the castle became the main centre of Orava region. Originally, the castle was built in Romanesque and Gothic styles, later reconstructed into Renaissance and Neo-Gothic styles. Through the history it was owned by several owners, went through many reconstructions, especially after a huge fire in 1800. The most extensive reconstruction was after the World War II. Nowadays, the castle is in a very good condition.

Nowadays, the castle consists of three separate parts – the upper, middle and the bottom part. This unusual solution was forced by the shape of the rock, on which the castle is located. Castle is easily accessible by car, bus or train from Ružomberok. To reach the top of the rock there are nearly 300 stairs to climb. During the high season you can find a variety of cultural events there. Very popular are night visits that include theatre performances and eerie events.

Castle Krásna Hôrka

Krásna Hôrka is located 8 km eastwards from Rožňava above the Krásnohorské Podhradie village. It is a Natural Cultural Monument since 1961.

The first written mention of the castle is from 1333. It was a Hungarian cultural monument for over 500 years. The castle was inhabited until 1812; last owner Andrássy rebuilt its interior to a museum opened to public in 1906. Chapel of Nativity of the Virgin Mary was built in the second half of 18th century. On the main altar there is a painting of black Madonna also referred to as the Virgin Mary of Krásna Hôrka.

History and development of the castle, way of life of the historical nobles are illustrated in the exhibition of Betliar Museum hosted by Krásna Hôrka. Exhibitions of medieval and modern weapons are also very interesting and original. It is almost inevitable to visit the art museum and mausoleum in Krásnohorské podhradie in order to have a comprehensive picture of the history and heritage of Andrássy family. Also, the beautiful and charming manor house called Betliar is very close.

Zvolen Castle

Zvolen Castle (Zvolenský hrad) located on a hill is a dominant of Zvolen town. Nowadays it is known as Deserted castle, but it is not deserted at all. It stands above the confluence of rivers Slatina and Hron. For its historical, artistic and architectural values it was registered as a National Cultural Monument of Slovakia.

Originally, it was built in a gothic style in the 12th century by Louis I. from Anjou and it served as a hunting lodge and a villa for Hungarian kings. It witnessed an engagement of Louis’s daughter Mary and Sigmund Luxemburg. Fortifications and an entrance gate were built to it in 16th century. The castle is in a Baroque style since 18th century.

This well preserved castle is hosting exhibitions of the Slovak National Gallery. Exhibitions include the Old European Art exposition, From the history of Zvolen exposition and expositions of many artistic works of modern Slovak artists. Very popular is a theatre festival called Castle Plays of Zvoven (Zámocké hry zvolenské) that is organized every year during the summer time.

Banská Bystrica Castle

Town Castle of Banská Bystrica (Mestký hrad v Banskej Bystrici), a Slovak National Cultural Monument in Banská Bystrica, is a silhouette of two bulb towers. Parts of the castle’s area is a Church of Our Lady, Slovak Church, A City Hall, the House of Matej, a fortification with bastions; and a port to the Barbican, which used to be a way to enter the area. Visitors can also find a Gallery of Central-Slovakia there.