Beckov Castle, Nové Mesto nad Váhom District, Slovakia

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends. One of them narrates the origin of the name of castle derived from that of jester Becko for whom the Duke Stibor had the castle built.

Another legend has it that the lord of the castle had his servant thrown down from the rock because he protected his child from the lords favourite dog. Before his death, the servant pronounced a curse saying that they would meet in a year and days time, and indeed precisely after that time the lord was bitten by a snake and fell down to the same abyss.

The well-conserved ruins of the castle, now the National Cultural Monument, are frequently visited by tourists, above all in July when the castle festival takes place. The former Ambro curia situated below the castle now shelters the exhibition of the local history.

References:

Slovakia Travel

User Reviews

Sartani Simon (2 months ago)
it's really amazing to be in this castle, it's like going back in time, I come from a country that doesn't have old castles left, and I really appreciate Slovakia which still maintains and preserves the heritage of the past

Dave Jones (Spooki) (9 months ago)
Beckov is an amazing place, both the castle and the village. It is worth noting that due to the location of the castle it is not appropriate for people with mobility issues. However, for those able bodied enough to make the walk up to the castle, I 100% recommend it. The place has been tastefully and beautifully restored in parts, you can really explore around the place. It also has little shops and shows and the like.

Todd s (10 months ago)
My favorite part of travel is seeing things that most people don't see. Hidden treasures like this place is so cool. They are doing a lot of work to restore it but you still get a feel for what it looked like originally. There are a lot of castles and palaces that Have been completely rebuilt and lost the authenticity of what it was. This place is not that, and it was five euros, and not one other person was in there. It's worth the drive, then from here or you can go see other castles but I'm so glad I took the time to go see this special place of history, that wasn't a church!!

Attila Tóth (Potyka) (17 months ago)
Beautiful place, breathtakingly beautiful castle. Inside, it is still a bit puritanical, but they are renovating and polishing it, fortunately they keep the old condition, so the opinion about it is only positive. The sword selfie is a great idea!!! 2023 ticket price: 4 euro/person

P G (2 years ago)
Do NOT visit the Beckov castle! Paying 5,50 € (as of September 2022) for a person to visit a (re)construction site with almost everything closed for visitor is ridiculous and dangerous at the same time. Shame! But if you are already here, at the crossroads turn right (castle is to the left) and you will get much better views on the castle and the cemetery below for free. See attached ;)

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Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

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