Lietava Castle Ruins

Lietava, Slovakia

Lietava Castle was built after 1241, most likely as an administrative and military centre. In the early 14th century, it is mentioned with Máté Csák III, one of the powerful magnates in the Kingdom of Hungary. The castle changed hands until the 16th century when the Thurzó family gained it. It was reconstructed and fortified, and given its own military garrison. After the death of Imre Thurzó in 1621, it was divided between his heirs. After the ownership disputes in 1641, they lost interest in it. The castle report in 1698 said that the castle was uninhabited and there was only an archive, which was moved to the Orava Castle in the 1760s. After that, the castle was abandoned and not used any more.

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Lietava, Slovakia
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Founded: 13th century
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Slovakia

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Alexander Khaytin (25 days ago)
It is really great place. It feels alive and somehow cozy. And it is not a hardcore museum with ticket office, guides etc. It is definitely authentic and it let you "touch the old times". You need to walk a few kilometers to get there. and I believe the weather is very important to take in account.
Иван Затевахин (9 months ago)
be prepared to climb into the castle for 40 minutes. The entrance to the castle itself is free, there is a toilet and a small cafe. The castle itself is in the process of reconstruction and many rooms cannot be visited. but the view from the castle mountain compensates for any inconvenience.
Bobbi M (9 months ago)
This was well worth the hike! Go here during sunset. The trail starts in Lietava and takes about 1 hour to go up. Start on a grassy field going up hill and then once you're in the mountain you'll follow a bike path up. It's absolutely beautiful. The castle is under restoration and you might be able to access it during the day but I'm not sure. The view and limited access was still worth it. You can do this with regular shoes but hiking shoes are recommended. I trekked downhill off the bike path on the right going towards the entrance of the castle. It takes 25 min but it's very steep. It will kick you out to the main road right by the bike path.
Michal Kanovszký (15 months ago)
Nice ruins under reconstruction. Hike up is family friendly and there is a small pub during rush days open. Part of the castle is reconstructed with exposition. Outside there are several seating places.
Samuel Fabrizio (2 years ago)
I visit this castle quite often and every time that I go I can see improvements. The repairs work being done deserves a 10 of 10! it’s a nice castle and it’s being treat super well now.. it was abandoned for many many year but that changed luckily. It super nice that don’t have to pay for enter I hope it keeps in this way so more ppl will be encouraged to see it. You can collaborate to repairs by donating anyway.. I prefer that
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