Spis Castle (Spissky Hrad)
Žehra, Slovakia
Among the largest castle sites in Central Europe, Spis Castle (Spissky Hrad) offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history. It was built and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. You won't see much of its 12th-century origins, but you can see its castle, armory, chapel, and torture room.
The basics
In addition to the castle itself, Splis Castle has a museum with Roman coins and other archaeological finds—some dating back to the Stone Age—and a collection of arms. Its hilltop position makes it a good place for a stroll full of views, and many people take advantage of the hour-long hike from the nearby village of Spišské Podhradie to the top of the hill.
Multi-day tours of Slovakia often stop at the castle, but if you don’t have a guide, you can rent an audio guide when you pick up your tickets.
Things to know before you go
There is a fee to visit the castle, but discounts are available for children, students aged 26 and under, and visitors aged 60 and older.
The castle has been undergoing a major refurbishment, and the upper parts of the complex may be closed.
The castle is not wheelchair-friendly, and it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steps.
How to get there
The castle is located above the town of Spisske Podhradie, about a 4-hour drive from Bratislava. Getting there by train takes anywhere from about six hours to 12 hours and involves changing trains. The town can also be reached by bus from Levoca, Kosice, and Presov. The castle's parking lot is a 10-minute walk from the castle gate. Walking from Spišské Podhradie village takes closer to an hour.
When to get there
Spis Castle is open daily, from spring through fall, with longer hours in summer. Visitors need to arrive at least an hour before closing time to be admitted. Summers get the biggest crowds, as the weather is at its warmest and special events are on the calendar. It's a good idea to visit first thing in the morning if you come in summer.
Visiting Orava Castle (Oravský Hrad)
About a 90-minute drive from Spis Castle, Orava Castle is another must-see for history and architecture fans. It was built in the 13th century and then redesigned in the Renaissance and neo-Gothic styles in later years. It's also home to one of the oldest museums in the country, where you can learn about the cultural and geological history of the area.
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