Likava Castle Ruins, Likavka, Slovakia

Likava Castle (Likavský hrad) was referred to for the first time in 1315. Its construction started with the intention to have a guarding point over the passage across the river Váh and the trade route from the Váh Basin to Orava and further to Poland.

The castle owners, the noble family of Hunyady, gradually reconstructed and widened the core of the Castle and built the part called the lower castle in the second half of the 15th century. In the second half of the 17th century, the Thökölys" eventually finished the entire fortification system though it was of no use as it did not prevent the disaster at the beginning of the 18th century when the retreating troops of František Rákoczi completely pulled down the castle in 1707.

Likava castle gradually decayed in ruins. After a thorough reconstruction in recent year the tower Hunyadyho veža was opened to public. It contains the exhibition of the Castle history.

References:

Slovakia Travel

User Reviews

Amanda Dang (7 months ago)
Beautiful views from this castle. It is currently under renovation so most of it is inaccessible. There is a lovely short walk through a forest to reach the castle. If you are in the area, it's worth a visit.

H. T. (7 months ago)
1 star Nice walk from Likavka. 2nd star Nice castle. But big disappointment after paying entry fee for almost nothing. Very small courtyard and 2-3 small rooms with history text and some photos with illustrations. That is all you get with some view on ruins. No refreshments and I didn't see any toilet there. There was one guide who explained history of castle collectively in Slovak language.

Dariusz DZariusz (9 months ago)
You can enter just 2 rooms, most of the castle is closed for tourists. If you nearby go ahead and visit, otherwise waste of time imo.

Branislav Flassik (2 years ago)
Majestic, sizeable, imposing and well preserved castle, but sadly, it is not completely open to public because of the safety measures, so there is not much to see of it's interior, just a small part.

Gal Anonim (2 years ago)
Nice ruins, free parking in the city Likava, not too high price for some history shown in expositions. I would recomend also to find place with good views of the castle- I did not have the time to do so but the castle must look nice from the distance.

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