Castles of Slovakia
Castles in Banská Štiavnica
Both castles are situated just in the town centre. They used to serve as fortresses protecting the city against Turkish raids. It’s really worth to see them. They are available to public.
The Old Castle in Banska Stiavnica
| Location | Banská Štiavnica |
|---|---|
| Built | 13t century |
| Access to the castle | The Old Castle is situated just in the historical centre, above the Town Hall Square |
| Advantages | Lovely castle situated just in the town centre |
The Old Castle belongs among the oldest historical monuments in Banská Štiavnica. As a national historical monument it has been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage list. Nowadays, except its own beauties, the Old Castle exposes exhibitions of the Slovak Mining Museum. You will get there by a staircase leading from the Town Hall Square. Roman part of the Castle was constructed in the thirteenth century. It is represented by an original parochial church – huge three nave basilica – and the St. Michael’s Chapel.
The sixteenth century was marked by intense Turkish raids. The Castle was converted into a strong fortress. The Church fortification was also strengthened. The main nave, of the three nave basilica in those times, was transformed into a courtyard and four further towers were added. As the construction of the Castle continued even in the eighteenth century, except the Roman and Renaissance buildings there can be found a Baroque Entrance Tower. The Castle certainly will catch your attention thanks to its interesting architecture and outward wooden staircases. A Prismatic Bastion dominates the Castle. Its underground parts used to serve as torture chamber. The Castle is very interesting not only from the outside but also in its interior. Visitors can see a Knights´ room, a collection of dartboards or pipes and a permanent archaeological exhibition of the Slovak Mining Museum. Early Gothic paintings on the walls or a plastic with originals from the Holy Trinity Sculpture are also very attractive.
The Castle is opened to public all year round on working days, during the summer season also at weekends. Opening times you can check on the phone number: 045/ 69 49 422.
The New Castle in Banska Stiavnica
| Location | Banská Štiavnica |
|---|---|
| Access to the castle | the Castle is accessible from the town centre, turn left behind the Town hall Square |
| Advantages | Four floored castle with an exhibition of anti-Turkish fights and panoramic city view |
The New Castle extends above Banská Štiavnica’s historical centre on the Dievčenský Mountain. Its white square tower with black roof surrounded by four bastions is visible from a great distance. The Castle offers a panoramic city view. It used to house a mine clapper that served for calling miners to work. This Renaissance fortress built in the sixteenth century served as a part of fortification system protecting against the Turkish invasion. It has four floors with permanent exhibitions. Visitors can see arms, a cannon or a man-sized Turk’s figure on the first floor. The second floor shelters a prison with “dereš” (wooden plank used for punishing people with strokes of the cane), dining sets, weapons used by the Turkish army, etc. The third floor shelters weapons and paintings. Models of anti-Turkish Slovak fortresses with a period map are exhibited on the fourth floor.
As the Old Castle, the New Castle is opened to public all year round on certain days. Opening times you can check in the information centre on the phone number: 045/ 69 20 535 or 045/ 69 11 543.
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