Castles
The castles of Slovakia stand witness to earlier eras:
when the picturesque fortresses formed the last line of defence against various invasions from east and southeast in the middle ages...
when they help troops ready to tear each other apart during the Reformation’s internecine wars...
when the nobility simply wanted to keep its people in line...
when the aristocracy of more recent centuries simply wanted to show off...
Beautiful exemplars of all periods and purposes abound here, some as eerie ruins and others as fully restored museum pieces. Never are you further than an easy day trip from a castle worth seeing. The following gives details on some of the country’s best-known castles.
Orava Castle
Oravský Podzámok, 027 41 Oravsky podzamok
One the most beautiful and largest castles in Slovakia, in the northern Orava region, Orava Castle is situated on a high rock above Orava river.
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Bratislava Castle
Bratislava, 08001 Bratislava Castle
Bratislava Castle, the landmark overlooking the capital, was built in 9th century. It stands on the hill above Danube river.
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Devin Castle
Muránská, 84110 Devin Castle
The well-preserved ruin is noted for a marvellous geographical position, offering terrific panorama views upon the confluence of Danube and Morava rivers.
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Spis Castle
Spisske Podhradie, 053 04 Spis Castle
In the lands of Spis, the north-western region of Eastern Slovakia, large castle is standing proudly on the hill above the plebs.
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Krasna Horka Castle
Krásnohorské Podhradie, 049 41 Krasna Horka Castle
Krasna Horka ("Beautiful Hill"), majestic castle in the heart of Slovakia. Now in the reconstruction due to extensive fire in 2012.
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Manor House of Betliar
Kaštieľna 6, 049 21 Manor House in Betliar
This hunting estate of almost 50 rooms was owned by the noble Bebek family and then Andrássy family for centuries
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Bojnice Castle
Zámok a okolie 1, 972 01 Bojnice Castle
Romantic Bojnice Castle is one of the most visited and most attractive castles in central Europe.
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Cerveny kamen (Red Stone Castle)
Hrad Červený Kameň, 900 89 Hrad Červený Kameň
Site of a medieval castle that was gradually pulled down, Cerveny Kamen (pronounced CHER-ven-ee KAH-men) retains that castle’s name (from “Rothstein” in German, meaning “red stone”).
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Cachtice Castle
916 21 Čachtický hrad
Ideally located ruin of "the mysterious castle in the Carpathian Mountains" was made famous particullary because of its last resident, chatelaine Elizabeth Bathory.
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Pajstun
Pajštún, 90032 Pajštún
Spectacular old ruin from 13th century close to the capital, Pajstun is a popular place among rockclimbers. Wonderful views and nice walk through the beautiful Carpathian woods.
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Trencin Castle
Trenčiansky hrad, 911 01 Trenčín Castle
The Trenčín Castle is a castle above the town of Trenčín, housing exhibitions of the Trenčín Museum. History of the castle goes back to the age of the Roman Empire.
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Smolenice Castle
Zámocká 18, 919 04 Smolenice Castle
A wonderful, romantic castle serves as a convention centre, used for conferences, symposia, seminars and weddings. Open for public only in July and August.
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Beckov Castle
Beckov 180, 913 10 Beckov Castle
Standing on a steep high cliff above Vah - the longest river of Slovakia, magnificent ruins of Beckov castle are a dominant feature on the horizon.
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Lubovniansky (Stara Lubovna) Castle
Zámocká 22, 064 01 Stara Lubovna Castle
A large stone castle built in the 14th century to protect trade routes to Poland. It was an important administrative center, as well as a shelter for the Polish crown jewels.
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Budatin Castle
Topoľová 1, 010 03 Budatin Castle
At the exit from Žilina to Kysuce, at the junction of the Rivers Vah and Kysuca, there rises the far-visible water tower of the former medieval castle.
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Strecno Castle
Hradná 1, 013 24 Strecno castle
It's impossible to overlook the ruins of a castle on a rocky cliff above the river Vah on the road from Žilina to Martin. The small castle, defender toll station, has become the best fortified castle of the area.
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Lupca Castle
976 13 Lupca Castle
Very preserved castle with bright white walls is standing on the road between Banska Bystrica and Brezno. An important route led here in medieval times - Via Manga.
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Liptovsky Hradok Castle
033 01 Liptovsky Hradok Castle
A special combo of a preserved ruined castle and a Renaissance manor house on the edge of the town of Liptovsky Hradok offers stylish accommodation, restaurant and a very untraditional place for a visit.
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Likava Castle
Hrad Likava, 034 95 Likava Castle
History of Likava Castle goes back 700 years. It was once a royal guardian castle, later rebuilt as a sumptuous private residence.
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