Ruins Jalovec (okres Liptovský Mikuláš)

Are you a history lover? Do you enjoy visiting castles and chateaux? It is not said for nothing that Slovakia is a land of castles. Historians state that there are 425 manor houses and 180 castles and chateaux in Slovakia. Perhaps the most beautiful one in Liptov is Hrad a Kaštieľ Liptovský Hrádok. Forget the mundanity of everyday life for a moment and become a brave knight or a lady of the castle. We invite you to a castle and manor house that has been welcoming its visitors since 2010.

Set out on a journey back in time and uncover the old secrets of the castle. Discover secret castle corridors and solve the riddle hidden in the castle courtyard. Do not miss the guided tour led by the owner herself, castle lady Dagmar. Let yourself be drawn into history and transport yourself to the life that prevailed in the 14th century during the 45-minute tour. Since 2018, the “Komnata hradného kastelána” and the staircase tower, which will provide you with a magnificent view all the way to Kriváň, have also been accessible. Tickets can be purchased directly at the cash desk before the tour begins.

In the first written record from 1341, the castle is mentioned under the name Wywar, while in later records it is already listed as Novum Castrum, Nový Hrad. Since then, it has gone through many changes and owners. The first owner and at the same time the founder of the castle was Master Donč, the head of Zvolen County. Another significant figure was Baron Valentín Balaša, who owned the castle between 1554 and 1600 and, together with his brother František, took care of the restoration of the castle walls. Another interesting ruler was Magdaléna Zai, who, together with her second husband Mikuláš Šándorfy, had the Renaissance palace and the surrounding estate buildings constructed. She was married five times and each of her husbands died after 4 years of marriage. They reportedly all died of natural causes. The last living owner, already the 56th in line, is Mrs. Dagmar Machová. She began to gradually restore the abandoned, dilapidated, and ruined spaces. Reconstruction work on the entire complex has been ongoing from 2002 to the present day. As a national cultural monument, the area of Hrad a Kaštieľ represents an important part of the cultural heritage, and its individual parts are slowly being restored and made accessible to the public.

One of the ancient legends says that the castle was once connected by extensive underground corridors with the fortification in Liptovský Ján. During the anti-Habsburg uprisings in 1622, the Holy Crown of Saint Stephen was temporarily stored at the castle.

Are you planning a wedding or celebrating an important anniversary? Delight the hearts of your loved ones and organize a celebration for them in grandiose style at this magnificent place steeped in history. The wedding reception and party can take place in the premises of the manor house or directly in the courtyard. The castle kitchen will take care of the gastronomic experience and fulfill even your most secret wishes. The romantic Magdaléna Zai Apartment awaits the newlyweds. The wedding photoshoot by the castle pond will certainly also be unforgettable, allowing you to preserve the memory of this significant day.

We invite you to this magnificent place and believe that it will leave you with a pleasant feeling. Combine history with entertainment and visit other attractions in Liptov as well. If you decide to stay in Liptov longer, we offer you accommodation in the surroundings of Hrad a Kaštieľ Liptovský Hrádok. If you are looking for a quiet place with a great atmosphere, you can choose from cozy cottages and stylish wooden cabins in the Liptov region, of which there are plenty on our portal. If, on the other hand, you are a city type, stay in guesthouses in Liptovský Mikuláš.

The ruins of Liptovský hrad are located on the Sestrč hill, at an altitude of 999.9 m above sea level in the cadastre of the village of Liptovská Sielnica, in the Liptovský Mikuláš district. Sestrč is part of the Chočské vrchy, which rise above the villages of Bukovina and Kalameny. The castle is sometimes also referred to as Liptovský Starý hrad or Sielnický hrad. It is the highest-altitude castle in the territory of Slovakia and at the same time one of the highest-altitude castles within Central Europe.

The first mention of the castle dates back to the 13th century, to the year 1262. King Bela IV had the castle built on the site of an original hillfort, which had already served a defensive function in the pre-Christian era. The castle was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt several times in the 13th and 14th centuries. From 1340, it served as the seat of the Liptov County. Hussite troops occupied it between 1431 and 1434, and from 1454 it was owned by Pongrác. He restored the residential part and completed the outer ward wall. In 1471, King Matthias Corvinus conquered the castle and had it destroyed. Out of the original residential tower, cistern, small courtyard, and two gates, only a part of the wall with an overhang of grass-covered earth has been preserved.

In the 1980s, archaeological research was carried out at the site, which helped clarify the overall development of the castle and reconstructed and conserved its foundations. Several remnants of the structure were uncovered, as well as projectiles and blacksmithing materials.

You can reach the castle year-round, but the terrain is more demanding and at times dangerous during rains and winter. Otherwise, the hike is suitable for almost everyone, feel free to take your little ones along too. If they have at least a slightly better physical condition, they will definitely manage the trip. You can set off along the yellow tourist trail from the village of Kalameny via Sedlo pod Kráľovou and subsequently via the Poľana saddle. The second route leads along the red tourist trail from the village of Vlachy via Havránok, Bukovina, and Sedlo pod Kráľovou. On the way back, you will also experience a bit of adventure when crossing a wooden ladder that boosts adrenaline in the blood of the brave.

From the castle, you will be treated to breathtaking views of almost the entire Liptov region, the Liptovská Mara water reservoir will be laid out before you like on the palm of your hand, and the surrounding mountains will guarantee to enchant you. The view of the wooden shelter is very nice, and it is interesting to inspect the handmade board games. Many photographers also visit Liptovský hrad for unique shots of the surrounding nature and the night sky without significant light pollution.

The atmosphere of this unique place simply needs to be experienced. Visit the website accommodation Kalameny, choose suitable accommodation near Liptovský hrad, and a great trip can begin. If you want to know what is worth seeing in the surroundings, get inspired by our website accomodation Liptovský Mikuláš as well. The entire region is indescribably beautiful, offering many fascinating natural nooks and historic sites, and it is definitely worth visiting not just once, but easily repeatedly and for several days.