Ruins Počúvadlianske Jazero

In the district of Banská Štiavnica, the highest peak of Štiavnické vrchy, the Sitno peak, is the dominant feature. Right on it, you can find the ruins of the famous Sitno castle, which provided defense against enemies. Visit the village of Ilija, into whose cadastral area Sitniansky hrad falls.

The history of Sitno castle dates back to the 13th century, when it was established as a fortified hillfort on this peak. Three centuries later, a gate with a defensive function was added. The castle consisted of two parts: the upper castle palace and the lower castle. This castle was not lacking a courtyard, a water cistern, or loopholes either. Unfortunately, in the 18th century, estate uprisings definitively destroyed the castle, leaving only a ruin.

During its era of greatest prosperity, the castle was besieged in 1548 by royal troops. At that time, it was seized by the robber knight Melichar Balassa. Less than a hundred years later, the castle passed into the permanent care of the Koháry family. They remained the owners of the castle until its destruction. After 1710, at the end of the anti-Habsburg uprisings, the castle served as a source of building material for Rozhľadňa na Sitne and Kaštieľ vo Svätom Antone.

If you are intrigued by the history of the castle and remember various legends, one tells the tale of the fate of two brothers, the knights of Sitno. The older one received the entire estate from his father on his deathbed; the younger one was not happy with this and built his own castle on Malé Sitno. There may be some truth to these legends shrouded in mystery about Sitno castle.

You can reach Sitno castle by car from the village of Ilija. Following the green hiking trail (an asphalt path through Vlčia jama), the ascent is less demanding, though it takes longer. A path also leads to the castle from Počúvadlianske jazero, also along the green trail past cottages through the forest. After a while, you will reach Tatárska lúka with an educational trail, from where you can take the blue trail directly to the castle.

Along with visiting the castle, it is a great idea to plan an ascent to the Sitno peak. It is also possible to complete it on horseback. A horse, along with a professional guide, can be rented for you at Ranč Nádej in Svätý Anton. You can travel back into history at Kaštieľ vo Svätom Antone. If you come as a family with children, it is a good idea to book accommodation near Sitno castle in advance. In the village of Ilija, there is a choice of several guest houses or private accommodations in Ilija. We believe that you will fully enjoy your time conquering this attraction, also thanks to pleasant accommodation in Slovakia.

On the forested Hrádok hill, which rises above the village of Tekovská Breznica in the Žarnovica district, you will find the ruins of Breznický hrad castle. From the 13th century, it served a guard function on the western edge of Štiavnické vrchy. Set out along the hiking trail directly from the village for approximately 1.5 km and enjoy the far-reaching views that Hrad Breznica has to offer.

The castle remembers a lot in its history. It experienced several pillages and was conquered by almost all lords who set their minds to it, including Matúš Čák Trenčiansky and Matej Korvín. After being conquered by Turkish forces, the castle was occupied by robber knights and gradually fell into ruin starting in the 18th century. However, the view that greets you after climbing to the ruins is well worth it. You can see all the way to the monastery in Hronský Beňadik or the town of Nová Baňa. In the vicinity of Breznický hrad, you will also find the remains of two structures, namely Hrádok na Sokolej skale and the Strážna veža watchtower at the Pustý hrad site. Legend has it that after dark, the ruins and their surroundings are haunted by a cursed maiden who, according to folklore, was a traitress and helped facilitate an enemy attack on the castle.

You can also enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature in the stredné Pohronie region by visiting Starohutský vodopád waterfall in Nová Baňa, in the Stará Huta area, or enjoy relaxation, peace, and sunshine by the Tajch water reservoir. Tajch, whose surroundings are framed by the Pohronský Inovec mountain range, is a great place for swimming in the summer and for ice skating in the event of a freezing winter. So, if you visit stredné Pohronie in the winter, do not miss the nearby Ski centrum Drozdovo in the village of Veľká Lehota.

Haven't you visited this beautiful region yet? Simply choose from our offer of accommodation near Breznický hrad castle and find the right date. Book a picturesque cottage or wooden house in Tekovská Breznica, or find comfort and convenience in one of the guesthouses on offer. Whether you are going on a trip with children or friends, we believe you will enjoy your time together.

Hrad Šášov castle stands atop a massive rock formation on the left bank of the river, in the outer area of the Štiavnické vrchy mountains, directly above the valley of the Hron river. You will find it in the district of Žiar nad Hronom – Šášovské Podhradie. Many legends revolve around its origins. One of them tells of the unprecedented heroism of the court jester Ladislav. The lord of Zvolenský hrad castle got lost deep in the forest during a hunting trip. Suddenly, a enraged she-bear appeared before him and bit him in the back. Seeing this, the jester did not hesitate, used his agility, and struck the bear in the head with an axe. Touched by his bravery, the nobleman promised out of gratitude to build him a castle on that very spot. Soon, a fortress bearing the name of his savior's profession stood on Orlia skala rock.

The castle is first mentioned in a document from 1253. It was most likely built by the brothers Vincent and Peter Vanch. Around 1306, Matúš Čák Trenčiansky seized it, and after his death, it passed through the hands of many different owners. Among the most famous were King Matej Korvín, the Archbishop of Eger Urban Dóczy, and the Hungarian prefect Gašpar Lippay.

A major turning point came in 1677, when it was captured and plundered during the Thököly Uprising. The subsequent destruction was completed in 1708 by imperial troops. From that time on, it lost its defensive function, remained abandoned, and began to fall into ruin. Gunfire during World War II in 1945 also caused difficult times when part of a retreating German army unit set up position in the castle tower.

Šášovský hrad castle was built on the Pohronská hradná cesta (Pohronie Castle Route) and was meant to serve as a defensive and watch fortress. Originally, it consisted of a Gothic palace, residential and farm buildings, a chapel, a water cistern, defensive towers, and, by all accounts, had two outer baileys. Two fortified courtyards protected the Gothic-Renaissance upper castle, and a round bastion guarded the entrance to the palace.

To this day, perimeter walls several meters high have been preserved. The best-preserved parts are the remains of the upper castle, the Gothic palace, and the triangular tower. In 2015, the remains of a bread oven of unusual dimensions were found here, indicating the presence of a castle bakery. Since 2003, conservation and restoration work has been underway to preserve the remains for future generations.

A green-marked hiking trail leads directly from the village to the ruins. The ascent takes about 20 minutes, and the gently sloping terrain can easily be handled by children. From the castle rock, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the Hron river and the entire valley of Šášovské Podhradie.

If you have planned your hike to the ruins on a hot summer day, head straight from your walk to the refreshing pools of Plážové kúpalisko Žiar nad Hronom. Another interesting place worth visiting is Krajská hvezdáreň a planetárium Maximiliána Hella, where you have a unique opportunity to see our galaxy up close.

An adrenaline adventure in the form of riding Monster scooters awaits you in the nearby village of Lehôtka pod Brehmi. If you wish to continue exploring this beautiful region, book accommodation in the vicinity of Šášovský hrad castle. Accommodation in Žiar nad Hronom includes charming cottages and cabins as well as comfortably furnished guesthouses. It is entirely up to you what appeals to your heart most. We wish you a pleasant and peaceful stay.