Ruins Bidovce

From a once monumental structure, today only terrain traces, excavations, ramparts, and moats remain. We are talking about Lipovecký hrad – Lipovec castle. In its time, it towered above the Kostoliansky potok, which currently forms the border between Mudrovce and Kecerovský Lipovec in the Košice – okolie district. Its remains still attract tourists, history lovers, and castle ruins enthusiasts today. If you long to follow in the footsteps of old noble families, set off on an adventurous expedition to the castle hill yourself.

The first written mentions of the castle date back to 1282. It has been proven that it was built in the 13th century by the Aba noble family (Abovci), who owned it until the beginning of the 15th century. Subsequently, the property changed owners several times and was destroyed by unknown means in the 16th century. In 1585, it is already mentioned as a ruin in written records. However, some buildings survived, which were devastated only after Rákóczi's War of Independence (Rákociovské povstanie) in the 18th century.

The original construction of the castle was secured on three sides by a moat and a rampart, while the fourth side was strategically protected by a natural steep cliff above the stream. The castle actually stood on the summit plateau of a longitudinal rock. An extensive fortification ran along its edge, and a high tower dominated the entire structure in the middle. The castle included palace buildings with a courtyard and a bridge leading across the moat to the entrance gate. The entire complex was built of stone, but bricks were also found here, which probably date from a later reconstruction.

The existence of the castle, which remains a symbol of the village of Kecerovský Lipovec to this day, is currently evidenced only by terrain traces and masonry remains. In addition to the ravages of time and the influence of nature, lay explorers and treasure hunters also contributed to its demise. Nevertheless, the castle hill remains an attractive tourist destination. In its terrain, the original access road to the castle, castle ramparts, and moats are still visible today. Traces of the palace and minor remains of masonry and bricks have also been preserved. The easiest access to the castle hill leads from the village of Mudrovce. By car, you can get to the forest road below the castle. A relatively steep climb awaits you, so we recommend bypassing the castle hill from the rear side.

You can combine an interesting trip to the remains of Lipovecký hrad with a visit to other attractive trip destinations in the nearby surroundings. Head, for example, to the cold Herliansky gejzír geyser or descend into the underground of the Slovenské opálové bane opal mines. Look at the surroundings from a bird's-eye view from the Rozhľadňa Čerešenka lookout tower or from the back of a majestic horse at the Jazdecká škola Kráľovce riding school. The possibilities in this region are truly diverse.

If an itinerary full of unforgettable experiences appeals to you, start looking for accommodation near Lipovecký hrad – Lipovec castle right now. Capacity fills up quickly during the holiday season. You can bet on accommodation in Kecerovský Lipovec and its immediate surroundings, or choose from a wide range of accommodation in Košice. Local accommodation facilities are guaranteed to meet your expectations and desires.

Embark on an adventurous journey into the Middle Ages and visit the mysterious Košický hrad, which has resolutely resisted the test of time for seven centuries. The castle ruins stand on the low hill of Hradová, just a few kilometers northwest of Košice. You would look in vain for a mention of this mysterious castle in the chronicles. Only indirect references appear in written sources, so we can only assume whether it was actually a real castle or merely an unfinished fortification. What is certain, however, is that with its area of 6.5 hectares, the castle ranks among the largest in Slovakia.

Despite the fact that today only the remains of the foundations and perimeter walls remain standing at the top of Hradová hill, the construction has a very interesting backstory. Historians believe that Palatine Omodej Aba had the castle built at the beginning of the 14th century at a time when disputes between the famous noble family of Omodej and the town of Košice were at their peak. The ingenious palatine decided to start building a castle on foreign territory that he controlled and from where he could overlook Košice. When the disagreements were settled and the disputes ceased, the Omodej nobles pledged not to build castles without royal permission. This explains why the castle was never completed. Furthermore, in 1312, when the Battle of Rozhanovce took place on the plains below the castle, the largest knightly battle since the Mongol invasion of Hungary, the Omodej family lost the fortress after their defeat. Since then, Košický hrad changed its lords, and in 1430 the fortification fell to the town of Košice. Since the burghers of Košice cared more about extensive lands and estates, they did not finish the residence on Hradová hill, and the castle slowly fell into ruin. The castle grounds were revitalized, recently, but nevertheless, as part of the Košice – European Capital of Culture 2013 project.

Today you can walk around the ruins of the once grand castle fortification and admire the remains of robust walls over 3.5 meters wide. You will certainly also be surprised by the view of the tower ruins with an unconventional triangular floor plan. This type of bastion is very rare, and in Slovakia, you can find it at only two other castles, specifically at the castle in Vinné and in Uhrovec. The second dominant feature is the remnant of a circular tower, which in the past could have been as high as 20 meters. If you are curious about what view the castle lords might have enjoyed from the tower, climb the lookout tower located right next to the ruins of Košický hrad. From a height of 21 meters, a breathtaking view of the panorama of Slanské vrchy on one side and the largest town in Eastern Slovakia on the other will open up before you.

The entire ruins complex is managed by the Občianske združenie Castellum Cassovia, which built a castle stage, a natural amphitheater, and a visitor center with several original attractions here. Volunteers from the civic association have prepared for you a demonstration of medieval clothing, workshops for making wooden products, and a small blacksmith's forge. If you are interested in the archaeological research carried out on the castle grounds, view the photo gallery of archaeological work. For the little ones, a playground is built on the castle hill, and in the surroundings, you have the opportunity to have a small barbecue as a reward after the climb. And how do you get to the castle? You can set off to the ruins by public transport and then on foot directly from Košice. A pleasant walking stroll with a gentle incline will take you no more than 15 minutes. On the path to the grounds, various information boards with interesting facts about the site will accompany you.

So head out on a hike into the Middle Ages and enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding scenery of the Košice a okolie region when visiting the castle. If one castle is not enough for you, take a hike to the nearby Hrad Sokoľ as well. And you can enhance your trip even further by visiting the largest zoo in Slovakia, Zoologická záhrada Košice. Accommodation near Košický hrad is just as varied as the attractions. Beautiful accommodation facilities are located not only in Košice but also in the immediate surroundings.