Topolcany Castle Ruins

Topoľčany, Slovakia

Topoľčany Castle"s construction at the beginning of the 14th century is attributed to Máté Csák. During the 'gallant” Hussite crusades the castle became a temporary Hussite stronghold. The castle often changed hands, and temporarily belonged to the Forgách Dynasty. The castle’s final owners abandoned it in the late 18th century, but its charm has remained to the present day. Today its main tower in Romantic style with well preserved fortifications dominates in the horizon.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

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

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tom Rychetský (16 months ago)
A well-preserved ruin. However, without any description and anything that an ordinary tourist would appreciate.
Robert / Ranjiv Lal (2 years ago)
This is an amazing place to enjoy with friends families and loved ones. It is located in Nitra region in Slovakia. There is a private and restricted road leading up towards the castle. The entrance of the road can hold about 20 to 25 vehicles. One will need to park at the entrance / foot if the hill and walk up about 20 to 30 minutes. Parking is free. The walk towards the castle is ever so pleasing and one needs to be proper and fit for this walk. The scenery surrounding this place is absolutely stunning and breathtaking. The 360 degree views from the top by the caste is astonishing. Once you reach the top one needs to be careful since renovations are being carried out so safety and cautious is required at this time of writing. One can also walk around within the grounds of the castle. At the top of the castle the surrounding views are stunning with regards to the country sides . There are sitting areas dotted around the castle for one to sit and enjoy a drink or two or one can also have cooked foods since there are a couple of BBQ areas by the entrance of the castle. Once you have completed your tour one has 2 options to get back down the hill. 1st one can walk back down to the entrance of the hill to get back to your vehicle. The other is to take the scooter which is not electric downhill all the way through some breathtaking scenery along villages to Topolcany town passing some ranches and vineyards along the way. At this time of writing the price is €10 per person. One can choose their own scooter preference and a safety helmet is provided. This includes a scooter ride all the way down about 10km and get picked up with the scooters back to your vehicle parking at the bottom of the castle. The company that offers this service is shown in the pictures attached. Definitely recommended for anyone who wants to see and enjoy a day out. Thank you and have a great day ??
Pali Varga (3 years ago)
For quite an unknown castle ruin, this one is pretty surprising - on the outside, and also on the inside ... I mean the courtyard part, with open-air amphitheater sort of sitting arrangement (with the surrounding walls, one could easily mistake this for a Roman theater). Missing tourist facilities might be a bummer for some, a welcome aspect (solitude, quiet) for the others. This one asks no money of you. I was just disappointed that the reconstructed tower - the most characteristic part of the castle - is locked and inaccessible. The views into the surrounding country are nice even from the walls. Btw, very short and easy ascend uphill from the parking lot, on a slightly destructed field road with annoying stones.
Marek Bruchatý (4 years ago)
One of the best places to visit when visiting Topoľčany region. Great views, large castle ruins with occasional open air theatre. Must visit.
Jan Eriksson (4 years ago)
Pleasant, waiting for more repairs. No notice boards telling anything about the history of the castle, which is a minus .
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Abbey of Saint-Georges

Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey is a former Benedictine abbey. It was founded in about 1113 by Guillaume de Tancarville on the site of an earlier establishment of secular canons and settled by monks from the Abbey of Saint-Evroul. The abbey church made of Caumont stone was erected from 1113 to 1140. The Norman builders aimed to have very well-lit naves and they did this by means of tall, large windows, initially made possible by a wooden ceiling, which prevented uplift, although this was replaced by a Gothic vault in the 13th century. The chapter room was built after the abbey church and dates from the last quarter of the 12th century.

The arrival of the Maurist monks in 1659, after the disasters of the Wars of Religion, helped to get the abbey back on a firmer spiritual, architectural and economic footing. They erected a large monastic building one wing of which fitted tightly around the chapter house (which was otherwise left as it was).