Bzovík Castle Ruins, Krupina District, Slovakia

Bzovík castle structure originated by reconstruction of the Cistercian Abbey founded around 1130. Several decades later the Premonstratesian provostship moved here and became the largest feudal estate in the region of Hont. Its fort was repeatedly destroyed in the 15th century.

In 1530 it ended up in hands of Sigismund Balassa who drove out the monks and had the Romanesque monastery reconstructed to the Gothic-Renaissance castle with strong outer fortifications including four corner bastions and the dike. The fort was damaged at the end of the Second World War and reconstructed recently.

Apart from fortifications and bastions, the ruins of the former monastery and part of the Romanesque church in the courtyard survive.

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Slovakia Travel

User Reviews

Gergely Gubányi (4 years ago)
Well, it is huge - its parameters open up slowly as you approach. One of the biggest castles in territory I ever seen - and I've seen a lot. Gladly pretty much remanied from the building itself, plus there is maintanance, refurnishing and rebuilding work going on. Surely will swing back sometime to see how far the rebuilding gets. Applause for those working on it while not even entra ce fee is taken (charity box placed)! A circa hour tour from the parking place to the castle in nearly untouched nature following the path of a stream.

Richard Liptaj (4 years ago)
Nice

kuma zuki (5 years ago)
Unfortunately didn't get to the castle. Just saw it from a few hundred meters away. Tried to get there in a 2wd sedan but the road was too muddy. Had to pull over off the main road shortly into the drive in then continued on foot. Got to a fork in the road and took a left instead on a right (no signs) and ended up in a muddy forest on top of a hill over looking the castle. Ran out of time to go back and continue the walk to check out the castle. But from what I saw on top of the hill, it looks pretty damn amazing. What a location surrounded by 4 small mountains on each side. And it looks like it's been taken by nature. Found out afterwards that you apparently catch a bus from a town nearby to see it. Anyway, if you get the chance, I recommend it but best to do your research!!

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Bzovík Castle Ruins

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