Blatnický hrad
Have you heard the legend about the young man Blatoň, who saved two lives – those of Prince Mojmír and Pribina? This very legend is tied to Blatnický hrad. If you plan a trip to Gaderská dolina, that is, to the Veľká Fatra mountains, you should definitely visit the village of Blatnica. Right above it, at an altitude of 658 m a. s. l., on a steep hill separating Gaderská dolina from Turčianska kotlina, stands the castle.
The castle as such stands in its place to this day. Enthusiasts dedicated to its preservation and restoration strive to carry out numerous cleaning and reconstruction works. The masonry of the western tower is preserved at the castle, towering to a great height. The upper castle was set between two towers. In the lower castle, the corner block masonry as well as the remnants of building walls are preserved.
The history of Blatnický hrad dates back to the year 1300, when its first owner was Peter of Brezovica. It was built on the popular trade route magna via. The last mention of it being inhabited was from the year 1790, after which it gradually fell into ruin and decayed. After all, princes preferred a more comfortable lifestyle in a manor house rather than in a castle.
Many tales and legends are connected with the castle as such. One of the popular ones includes the one about the young man Blatoň. This young man saved the lives of Pribina and Mojmír during a hunt for aurochs. When the improperly hit animal charged at these two prominent figures, Blatoň rushed at it and killed it with a dagger. For saving their lives, he received a beautiful sword and land for the future castle. Other legends include the one about a cruel castle lord who, after seizing another man's bride and growing tired of her, had her killed and walled her son into the castle. The child's crying can still be heard today within the castle walls. Or about the Templars who walled up a monk in the castle. Supposedly, treasure hunters found a walled-up male skeleton in the ruins of the castle. Who knows who it belonged to and whether these legends are true.
The castle as such is truly very interesting and shrouded in a veil of mysteries from the past. No wonder, as prominent families such as the House of Luxembourg or the Révay family lived here. If you want to come and see it in person and experience its atmosphere, be sure to choose a suitable route. A yellow hiking trail leads to the castle. The shortest route is across the meadow below the castle in the village of Blatnica. From Blatnica through Gaderská dolina, it is less than 2 km to the first forester's lodge, then another 15 minutes along an unmarked trail. Choose the right route and explore the castle in person.
Every ruin, such as Blatnický hrad, is accessible at your own risk. Hiking shoes are therefore recommended. After such a wonderfully spent walk, you can head into the village and choose accommodation near Blatnický hrad. You will thus extend your stay and get to know the amazing surroundings perfectly. You can enjoy the beauties of the underground in Jaskyňa Mažarná. A day full of fun is guaranteed for you in Lanový park. Right in the village, you can book cottages in Blatnica or private accommodation in Blatnica. The offer of accommodation is rich.
