Pustý hrad
Above the confluence of the Hron and Slatina rivers, at an altitude of 475–571 m above sea level in the cadastral area of the city of Zvolen, rises Pustý hrad. It is a complex of two parts, Dolný hrad and Horný hrad, spanning a total area of 7.6 hectares. Between these parts lies an almost 400 m long connecting corridor, which at Dolný hrad is formed by a wall with a length of 206 m. Despite being a ruin, it is rightfully spoken of as one of the largest castles in the world built on a hill. Since 2009, archaeological research sponsored by the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Nitra has been conducted here.
During extensive archaeological research at Horný hrad, the existence of a prehistoric rampart on which the castle stood was proven. In addition, pottery shard material from the Late Bronze Age was found, along with finds from the Lusatian, Piliny, and Baden cultures, shards of the Kyjatice culture, and ceramics from the La Tène period. Research at Dolný hrad revealed the existence of a slightly older prehistoric rampart. Various finds were made here as well, specifically from the Younger and Late Bronze Age.
The history of the castle dates back to the 12th century, from which the tower of the Zvolen royal county (comitatus) originates. This was followed by the construction of a large fortification in the years 1241–1255. At the southernmost tip of its fortification, Horný hrad had a monumental passage tower gate built, the remains of which are a symbol of the entire site. The keep (donjon), a residential tower of Dolný hrad, is the most significant architectural feature of Pustý hrad.
After a Gothic castle was built in the city, which became the new seat of the royal county, the castle lost its importance. Over time, it became accommodation for military units until it was destroyed by fire in 1452. Since then, it has been a ruin.
Like most castles, Pustý hrad also has its legends. The most famous one is about the cursed Barát. He is a monk with a horse's hoof instead of one foot who guards local treasures. He can appear to visitors in the form of a hermit or an animal and usually scares them to death.
There are several ways to reach Pustý hrad, but definitely the most interesting of them is the route along the Náučný chodník Pustý hrad educational trail. Another route begins near Zvolenský zámok, across the Slatina river, continuing along the main road. When you arrive at the parking lot at the end of Zvolen, at the signpost you can choose a route along the blue or green hiking mark. From the castle, a view of Zvolenská kotlina together with the surrounding mountain ranges will then open up to you.
Find pleasant accommodation near Pustý hrad, follow in the footsteps of our ancestors, and visit places where people lived as early as the Younger Bronze Age. In addition to Pustý hrad, which is sometimes also called Zvolenský hrad or Starý Zvolen, you will also find other attractions in Zvolen and its surroundings waiting for you to visit them. Allow at least a long weekend to explore the area. Also visit the page accommodation in Zvolen, where you will surely find the right choice for you and plan a great trip.
