Castles Ilija

Come with us to the land of mythical undergrounds, treasures, and gnomes. Venture below the Earth's surface, to crystal-clear lakes in the middle of green forests, come to paradise. Where can you find it? In Banská Štiavnica. There are only a few places that feature a beautiful castle. And even fewer where you can find two right in one place. Banská Štiavnica is just like that. In addition to Starý zámok, you will also find Nový zámok here, proudly towering over the town.

The Renaissance building originally served as a watchtower. And it is truly majestic, called a castle not just for nothing. Its task was to repel Turkish raids. Construction began in 1564 and was completed 7 years later. The massive tower above the town center had as many as 6 floors, with 4 defensive bastions on its corners. After a later reconstruction, the number of floors was reduced from 6 to the current 4.

High on the hill, Nový zámok played an important role. During periods of threat, it was part of a signaling system monitoring enemy movement from the village of Pukanec all the way to the village of Ľubietová. In addition, the castle was also useful to the general population. The tower's function was to announce the time. Every quarter of an hour by bugling and every hour by ringing a bell.

The role of the castle vanished after the Turkish invasions subsided. Nevertheless, gunpowder needed for mining drift excavations was stored here for a long time afterward. Nový zámok stood out with its strong defense, with up to 21 battle-ready cannons located around it.

What is the current function of the castle? It is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in the area. The owner is Slovenské banské múzeum, which has its exhibition nearby right inside a mine. Inside the castle, you will find exhibits focused specifically on the defense of Banská Štiavnica against the Turks. Deep inside Nový zámok, you will learn everything you want to know about the situation back then. And a reward awaits you too: an unforgettable view from the top of the tower over magical Banská Štiavnica.

When you return from Nový zámok, you can also pop over to Starý zámok. Do not miss a walk through the historic town center with its steep, narrow lanes. The local plague column in the square is a true gem. Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy. Numerous trails lead through the nearby mountains, showing you the beauty of the tajchy reservoirs. What used to be technical water reservoirs are now popular recreational destinations. You can find a diverse plant world in the botanical garden and clear your spirit with a walk up to Kalvária.

Find stylish accommodation in this medieval town. With us, it will be a breeze. We offer guest houses in historic burgher houses, as well as affordable private accommodations or cottages in the immediate vicinity. You are guaranteed to have Nový zámok right outside your window, as it is simply unmissable.

Slovakia's past is largely tied to its mining history. Many of our regions were well-known mining towns in the past. We can find them in the central part of Slovakia. Specifically at Banská Štiavnica, one of the most famous mining towns ever.

In the times of glory and wealth extracted from the ground, it was also necessary to protect it. Castles and châteaux were a natural way of protection. The Starý zámok was built for this purpose. This well-preserved castle complex is characterized by many unique features. It was established as an anti-Turkish fortress to protect against the devastating raids of the Turks. Despite the castle being called Starý (Old), it is not that old. It was created only in 1486, when many other castles already had a few centuries of existence behind them. Its origin is equally bizarre. It was not built as a new structure, but as a reconstruction of the existing Kostol Panny Márie church.

The basis of the castle is thus unusually the nave of the former basilica. It had stood here for a longer time, and defensive bastions with openings for defense were added to it. Likewise, an embankment was built and the fortification was reinforced. With a bit of perspective, we can say that it was the best-protected church in the entire Kingdom of Hungary (Uhorsko). However, under the influence of these reconstructions, the character of the building changed, and so the entire complex began to serve as a town castle.

Today's national cultural monument underwent its last reconstruction in 1777. It was in this year that an entrance tower was added to the castle, which is visibly better preserved than the original castle that gradually lost its role over time. Later, it housed a library, archives, and the municipal police. What is the situation with Starý zámok today?

The building itself is exceptionally interesting, if only due to the former existence of the basilica. Architecture lovers will find plenty to enjoy. In addition, there is a regional history and archaeology exhibition where you will learn many interesting facts about the history of mining in the region and much more. For example, about pipe-making.

It is not only Starý zámok that makes Banská Štiavnica worth a visit. Nový zámok, the historic square, or the opportunity to discover traditional crafts are the main draws of the town hidden in the mountains. Do not miss a tour of the mine, and if you want to relax, take a walk through the surrounding forests and unwind by the famous tajchs (tajchy).

Banská Štiavnica is a town in the mountains. It combines these two advantages when looking at accommodation options as well. Modern hotels? Guesthouses in old burgher houses? Cottages in the mountains in the middle of the forest? You will find everything in one place. In Banská Štiavnica. Take advantage of its unique location and all the attractions it offers to make a unique trip. Whoever comes here once will surely want to return.