Slovak Castles

This castle situated on the cliff near the river is natural cultural monument in western Slovakia, close to Trencin. It was originally built in 13th century in stone, but the first settlement at the castle hill is much older and was used as a strategic outpost in Great Moravia Empire. Its present appearance is the result of renovation in the last quarter of the 20th century. Today it is open to visitors. 

Location : Google map - 48.7909°N 17.8981°E 

Architecture : Gothic fort 

Legend of Becko, the jester - Becko was a Slovak Yorick and thanks to his skills he’s achieved eternal fame, so the castle ruins bears his name. Read the legend

The name of the town contains the name of a Great Moravian duke who ruled from the present Bratislava castle - Slovak scientist P. J. Šafárik was the first to note that the seemingly German name (Presburg) concealed a Slovak first name – Brecislav.

Monumental castle known from the beginning of 10th century, built on former Slavonian fortification from 9th century from Great Moravian Empire above Danube river. Latest reconstruction is from 1956-1968. One of the city signatures.

Location: N 48.142276, E 17.100043

Architecture styles seen in castle: romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque

Gothic castle in northern Slovakia, 16 km east of Žilina. It was originally built in 1316, but the first settlement at the castle hill is much older dating back to 9th century as Slav residence and fort. Today it is open to visitors with interesting events all year round and offers magnificent views of surroundings.

Location : Google map - N49°11'13’’ E18°51'47’’

3D tour or 3D tour 2

Architecture : Gothic, Renaissance

The fortress sits on a rock over the river Váh and was considered as the safest fortress of the region. The stone castle was built in 1316 and was owned by Royal family until 14th century. Then the castle has changed many owners, but mostly it is associated with the personal story of Žofia Bosniaková.Primarily, it is a story of love for her husband, God and the poor. Intact remains of her body were found in the Castle crypt and transferred to the church in Teplička nad Váhom. Now a replica of her mummy is located in the castle chapel. There is prepared an exposition, a tour around the castle and view from the highest tower from which you can see the whole pass and neighbouring Old Castle and Memorial of Slovak, Soviet and French partizans (WWII).

The name of the town contains the name of a Great Moravian duke who ruled from the present Bratislava castle - Slovak scientist P. J. Šafárik was the first to note that the seemingly German name (Presburg) concealed a Slovak first name – Brecislav.

Monumental castle known from the beginning of 10th century, built on former Slavonian fortification from 9th century from Great Moravian Empire above Danube river. Latest reconstruction is from 1956-1968. One of the city signatures.

Location: N 48.142276, E 17.100043

Architecture styles seen in castle: romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque

The castle stands on a hill where the earliest occupation dates back to the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC). The Castle was first time mentioned in Salzburg annals in 907 AD (The newly found Salzburg Chronicles contain the oldest name, recorded in 907 in the following wording: Bellum pessimum fuit ad Brezalauspurc (Unsuccessful battle took place at Brezalauspurc) ). Current appearance was built in 15th century AD (1427). The palace wing was built between 1431-34. Next reconstruction happened between 1552 - 1639 lead by Italian architects. The castle became coronation headquarters during the Tartar incursions from the east. The last big reconstruction was based on works of french, italian and austrian architects - J. N. Jadot, L. N. Pacassi and J. B. Martinelli in 1750-1760. In 1811 the castle was ruined by big fire and for 140 years remained damaged. The reconstruction started in 1953 restored its original appearance.

UNESCO World Heritage

One of the largest Castles of the 13th and 14th century military, political and religious buildings in eastern and central Europe.

Location: N48 59 58 E20 46 3

Architecture of Middle Ages and early Renaissance, Romanesque, Gothic

Spišský Hrad (castle) stands on a dramatic site where the earliest occupation dates back to the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC), and subsequently occupied in the Bronze Age and in the 1st century AD. It was also fortified during the Great Moravian Period (9th century AD). Present castle construction started in 12th cent. It was used as a defense against Tatar incursions from the east.

UNESCO World Heritage

One of the largest Castles of the 13th and 14th century military, political and religious buildings in eastern and central Europe.

Location: N48 59 58 E20 46 3

Architecture of Middle Ages and early Renaissance, Romanesque, Gothic

Spišský Hrad (castle) stands on a dramatic site where the earliest occupation dates back to the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC), and subsequently occupied in the Bronze Age and in the 1st century AD. It was also fortified during the Great Moravian Period (9th century AD). Present castle construction started in 12th cent. It was used as a defense against Tatar incursions from the east.

UNESCO World Heritage

One of the largest Castles of the 13th and 14th century military, political and religious buildings in eastern and central Europe.

Location: N48 59 58 E20 46 3

Architecture of Middle Ages and early Renaissance, Romanesque, Gothic

Spišský Hrad (castle) stands on a dramatic site where the earliest occupation dates back to the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC), and subsequently occupied in the Bronze Age and in the 1st century AD. It was also fortified during the Great Moravian Period (9th century AD). Present castle construction started in 12th cent. It was used as a defense against Tatar incursions from the east.

One of the most beautiful castles from 13th century standing 112 m (367 ft) high above the Orava River and its right tributary stream Racova, extended in 15th and 16th century, final look formed till beginning of 17th century, reconstructed in 1953-1968.

Location : 49 15` 42“ N, 19 21` 29“ E

Architecture : romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque

Many scenes of the 1922 film Nosferatu were filmed here, although until recently it was thought to have been shot in Transylvania.

One of the most beautiful castles from 13th century standing 112 m (367 ft) high above the Orava River and its right tributary stream Racova, extended in 15th and 16th century, final look formed till beginning of 17th century, reconstructed in 1953-1968.

Location : 49 15` 42“ N, 19 21` 29“ E

Architecture : romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque

Many scenes of the 1922 film Nosferatu were filmed here, although until recently it was thought to have been shot in Transylvania.

Photo by : Juraj Chromec

One of the most beautiful castles from 13th century standing 112 m (367 ft) high above the Orava River and its right tributary stream Racova, extended in 15th and 16th century, final look formed till beginning of 17th century, reconstructed in 1953-1968.

Location : 49 15` 42“ N, 19 21` 29“ E

Architecture : romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque

Many scenes of the 1922 film Nosferatu were filmed here, although until recently it was thought to have been shot in Transylvania.

This castle situated on the cliff near the river is natural cultural monument in western Slovakia, close to Trencin. It was originally built in 13th century in stone, but the first settlement at the castle hill is much older and was used as a strategic outpost in Great Moravia Empire. Its present appearance is the result of renovation in the last quarter of the 20th century. Today it is open to visitors.

Location : Google map - 48.7909°N 17.8981°E

Architecture : Gothic fort