Ruins Južné Slovensko

Right in the centre of the town of Levice, you will find a 13th-century stone castle. Despite being in ruins, the monument is still impressive. Today, the castle grounds house the Tekovské múzeum. Come and take a look at the remains of the Gothic palace or the bastion that once served as a summer pavilion. You will learn many interesting facts about the history of the castle itself, which changed hands among some of the most famous owners and even withstood Ottoman troops.

No written records have been preserved regarding the construction of the castle that would confirm the exact year it was completed. However, the castle was built in a place of strategic importance. It was a site protected by a part of the Štiavnické vrchy mountains, and the surrounding area had difficult access due to marshes. The distant views that the castle offered thanks to its location also contributed to its watchtower function. The first owner of the castle was one of the most famous landowners, Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. Later, when the castle became royal property and its position grew stronger, people began to settle in its vicinity, and thus in the 14th century, the new settlement of Nové a Veľké Levice was founded.

In the 16th century, much like a large part of our country, the Levický hrad withstood Ottoman raids. During this period, a Renaissance mansion with massive fortifications was added to the castle. As the fighting by the Ottomans gained strength, at the end of the 17th century, the castle vice-captain decided to surrender the castle to the Ottomans without a fight. In less than a year, imperial troops managed to recapture the castle.

This significant military fortress also bears witness to the figure of the anti-Habsburg estate uprisings. František II. Rákoczi and his kurucs destroyed and burned down the castle before retreating from Levice at the beginning of the 18th century. The moat and the castle well were filled in, causing the castle to lose important features of a military fortress.

After those events, the castle was never restored again, it gradually fell into disrepair, and only ruins now remind us of ancient times. Visit Levický hrad and remember a piece of our history. You can also reminisce about times past while touring one of the exhibitions found in the Tekovské múzeum museum. Its unique collection boasts more than 100,000 exhibits. If you visit Levice, do not miss the Tekovská hvezdáreň observatory either, where you can explore the starry sky or learn interesting facts about space. A pleasant place to spend your leisure time taking a walk or a bike trip can be found around the Chránený areál Levické rybníky protected area. During hot days, you will appreciate a visit to the Termálne kúpalisko Margita – Ilona thermal swimming pool, where you will experience a true summer atmosphere.

Visit the Tekov region, historic Levice and discover the attractions of the surrounding area. If you are looking for accommodation near Levický hrad, we have a few tips for you. Book one of the offered family guesthouses or a cosy cottage in the surroundings and set out for new experiences.

It is fascinating to walk alongside the several centuries old Hradisko Zobor, which is located in Nitra. This interesting attraction is the oldest and most extensive monument in the territory of the city and its surroundings. At the same time, it is also included in our list of national cultural monuments. Through the built educational trail, you will learn a lot of interesting information about it here, which will transport you to ancient times.

The origin of this unique fortification protecting the Zobor hill dates back to the late Bronze Age, namely to the period from the 10th to the 8th century BC. At that time, the peak of Zobor was an acropolis for people belonging to the higher social class. The strategic position of this hill ensured that later this place was used as a watchpoint. Visitors can enjoy that amazing view of the wide surroundings even today.

The main task of the hillfort, located on the high edge of the Carpathians above the Podunajská nížina, was the protection of the territory. At that time, it extended over a rugged area of 15 ha at an altitude of 520 – 587 m a. s. l. Entrance gates were built at three places. Currently, you can admire with your own eyes the remains of an approximately 2 km long defensive rampart, the height of which reaches up to 7 m in places.

In order to make this attraction interesting for all age groups, people from the local civic association managed to create the Historický náučný chodník Hradisko Zobor. On its almost 2 km long route, you will learn interesting information about the pyramid on Zobor, the mentioned entrance gates, or the basin serving as a water cistern. The route is not very demanding, it leads along a marked trail with 8 information boards and will take you about 45 minutes. The total elevation gain of the route is 110 m.

From the hillfort, you have excellent access to the pyramid on the Zobor hill, where you can treat yourself to a picnic after this information-packed load. If you desire to relax in the water after a hike, feel free to stop by to refresh yourself in the pools of the Kúpaliska na Sihoti – Nitra on the way back. From here, you can direct your steps to an evening performance at the Divadlo Andreja Bagara and, strengthened by a cultural experience, set off to rest in accommodation near Hradisko Zobor.

In the offer of accommodation facilities near the hillfort and its surroundings, you can choose from those that appeal to you the most. Families with children often choose apartments in Nitra as their temporary home, couples prefer a room in a hotel, and seniors mostly settle for private accommodation in Nitra. We will be happy to help you with the selection of the best accommodation.

The sad reality of today is that the once-glorious castles on our territory have turned into ruins. These are sought after primarily by avid hikers who crave stunning views and relaxation in nature. The ruin of castle Čeklís, located on the edge of the village of Bernolákovo, is one of them. Here, you can enjoy a view of the Podunajskú nížinu plain, Bratislavu, and Bratislavský castle.

The village of Bernolákovo is one of the relatively large villages located in the Senec district. During your visit, you will certainly notice its landmark: the Roman Catholic kostol sv. Štefana Kráľa church from 1355 and the adjacent kaplnku sv. Anny chapel from 1835. On the elevated terraced hilltop known as Várdomb (Hradný vrch), the hrad Čeklís castle is situated. In written records, it is also mentioned as Ceki, Chekluez, Cheklys, or Chekles.

Getting to this castle is manageable for everyone. The hike to this publicly accessible ruin is easy and will take you less than 10 minutes on foot. Simply park your car by the church and follow the dirt path alongside it directly to your destination. From a distance, you will see the silhouette of a tower emerging from the castle, although it is not part of the original structure.

The castle was likely built in the 13th century as a guard castle. The first reference to it dates back to 1209 as the old settlement of Šebeš, the royal cellar administrator. Many owners are mentioned in the castle’s history, including Charles Robert, Sigismund of Luxembourg, and the Eszterházy family. Unfortunately, the castle fell into ruin during Rákóczi's War of Independence. In 1720, a Baroque manor house was built near the castle. Today, only a fragment of a 1.9 m thick curtain wall remains. A sharp-eyed observer may also notice a vaulted discharge arch with a span of 5 m. The castle was reportedly protected by a moat as well. The round waterworks tower, which fits into the stylized scenery, might also help draw tourists here. This was built in 1905 on the remnants of a Baroque brick cistern.

Two legends are associated with the castle. The first tells the story of the beautiful Helena of Čeklís, who intoxicated the Turkish Grand Vizier with her wine and fled to svätojurský hrad castle before the Turkish invasion. She also wanted to trick the enemy by shoeing her horses backwards. As a result, the soldiers remained confused and, in their helplessness and rage, burned the castle down. The second legend, about the candles of Čeklís, might be told to you by the locals.

You can stay in the region for a longer period to explore all the points of interest beyond the traces of history. Golf lovers and sports enthusiasts can visit the largest golf resort with 55 greens, Black River Golf Resort Bratislava. It is located directly in this village, offering a great way to diversify your daily itinerary. Anglers choose the jazero Miloslavka lake as their place of relaxation. A walk through a landscape English park also has its charm; you can experience one at Kaštieli Eberhard in Malinovo. You can go for a swim on hot days at various water areas, with the closest option being Vajnorských jazerách.

You can plan your vacation or stay however you wish. The diverse range of accommodation around hrad Čeklís will certainly surprise you. Our accommodation providers will welcome you even at the last minute and provide you with a place to stay. You can choose from beautiful wooden cabins in Bernolákovo, which are optimal for larger groups, or a comfortable room in guesthouses in Bernolákovo. We will gladly provide you with all available information so you can book the best accommodation.

In the middle of Krupinská planina, at the end of a rocky promontory, the zrúcanina hradu Čabraď castle ruin rises in the embrace of the Litava stream. This place breathing with history is situated southeast of the village of Čabradský Vrbovok, in the Krupina district. The remains of the Gothic castle are still massive and impressive today. Here you can admire the remnants of fortifications, structures, and outer walls of residential buildings. You can reach the castle hill on a comfortable walk from the village in approximately 50 minutes. The easy route leads you through the adjacent forest, across the river, past the building and chapel of the Koháry family, all the way to the mysterious ruin.

History is mysteriously silent about the castle's origins. However, it is assumed that its role was to control the road connection from Šahy to Krupina. Sources even mention that two castles with the same name were located on the castle hill. The older Litava castle vanished at the beginning of the 14th century. It was reportedly located southeast of the new Litava castle, which was later named Čabraď. Its origins date back before 1342, and its first royal administrator was supposedly Charles Robert. Subsequently, the building frequently changed owners until its last owner, František Koháry, had it set on fire in 1812. Miraculously, despite the devastating fire, the castle did not turn completely to waste, but fell into oblivion for long decades. At the end of the 20th century, the first conservation of the courtyard took place, and since 2000, a local civic association has been taking care of the ruin.

In its time, the castle complex consisted of a dominant tower and a courtyard with residential palaces and utility buildings. The entrance led from the northern side via a drawbridge. The outer perimeter fortification protected the castle on the western side. On three sides, the Litava stream provided strategic protection for the castle. The eastern part consisted of a residential building, the southwest featured a gate with a bastion, and the south had an entrance gate with a tower, loopholes, and a bridge.

The ruin is freely accessible to the public today. A civic association takes care of maintaining the remaining fortifications and residential building ruins that recall the bygone glory of the monumental structure. Primarily thanks to them, the castle complex is not overgrown by vegetation and remains easily accessible to visitors. Thanks to their hard work, you also do not have to worry about a large presence of snakes at the castle. Čabradský hradný vrch is actually a nature reserve with the richest population of reptiles in Slovakia. Numerous grass snakes live here in particular.

In addition to the mysterious zrúcanina hradu Čabraď, you can also take a trip in the nearby area to the remains of hrad Cerovo castle or the sprawling Bzovník fortress. And if you long for a bird's-eye view of the surrounding natural beauty, you can head to Rozhľadňa na Prašnom vrchu lookout tower or the stone watchtower Vartovka. There are truly plenty of excursion options and tourist attractions in the surroundings of Krupina. We therefore recommend looking for accommodation near hrad Čabraď and setting out to explore this diverse region. Accommodation in Krupina is particularly appealing due to a wide range of popular cottages and chalets, which attract tourists and holidaymakers with the promise of comfort and convenient access. Will you let yourself be tempted as well?

Among the popular destinations for tourists today are the now minuscule remains of the Cerovo castle ruins, which are located near the village of the same name. Set out for the Krupina district. Approximately 20 km southeast of this district town, between the hills of the Krupina forest on the northern end of Pustý vrch, once stood a beautiful castle.

Hrad Cerovo, which many also knew under the name Litava, is best accessible directly from the main route Dudince – Veľký Krtíš. Past the turnoff towards the village, you will see a bridge leading over the Litava stream. Here you can park your car and set off on foot for the castle hill. The ascent up from this side is steeper and is mostly manageable only by hikers in good physical condition. For families with older children or less fit hikers, we recommend the ascent via the ridge of Pustý vrch, which can be reached via a field road. Breathing in the fresh air, listening to the chirping of birds, and admiring the beauty of the mixed forest will delight the soul of every person.

After ascending to the summit, the area of the former castle, which is currently hidden by the forest, is clearly visible. However, two large sections separated by a moat will not escape the attentive eye of the visitor. Unfortunately, this is all that has been preserved of it. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1276. At that time, it was built by Hontpazmányi named Hont. In some sources, the construction of the castle is linked to his son Dezider the Great. The castle did not live to see its glory partly because it was destroyed in the 14th century. Its restoration no longer took place, as the nearby Hrad Čabraď had been built.

Even though almost nothing remains of the castle, a trip here is worth your while due to the beautiful environment and the wonderful view from the castle hill. For the journey, you can pack various snacks in your backpack and treat yourself to a day in the company of those with whom you feel pleasant. The bolder ones might be tempted by the idea of pitching a tent in the forest and watching the stars shining in the mysterious sky after dark. For others, it is more realistic to book accommodation near Hrad Cerovo, so that, for example, on a nice summer morning, they can set out to observe the surroundings from this spot.

After this hike, you can see for yourself with your own eyes what condition the aforementioned Hrad Čabraď castle is currently in. It was built in the Gothic style and its remains astonish people to this day. Those who are not afraid of heights will certainly be interested in the lookout tower on Prašný vrch, or perhaps the stone watchtower Vartovka. Horse lovers will find what they are looking for at Ranč pod Žobrákom. They will gladly rent you bicycles here as well, so you can discover the undiscovered beauties of the Hont region.

Believe us that staying here for a longer time is worth it. To convince yourself, choose from the offer of accommodation facilities featured on our portal. Will a photo of the living room of a chalet in Cerovo intrigue you, or will a photo of an apartment catch your eye instead? It all depends solely on you. Whether you decide based on feelings or other criteria of your choice will dictate, we will be happy to help you.

You can find the ruins of Dračia hrádok, also known as Hadí hrad, in the Malé Karpaty mountain range, on the Úboč hill, approximately 2 km from the village of Borinka. Its origins date back to the 13th century, when the owners of the former royal Hrad Pajštún were the counts of Svätý Jur and Pezinok. The royal origin is also suggested by the similarity of the tower at Dračia hrádok to towers at other royal castles (Hrad Beckov, Plavecký hrad).

This slowly disappearing castle awaits you hidden above the valley of Stupavský potok, at an altitude of 370 m above sea level. There is not much information about what the small castle looked like in the past. An engraving that probably depicts its appearance can be found in Mestská galéria v Bratislave. However, experts differ in their opinions, and there are those who reject this assumption.

The area of the small castle consists of two elevated parts, a central prismatic tower, and the remains of the masonry foundation for the entrance bridge. By all accounts, the small castle perished in the 15th century during the Hussite raids into the territory of Západné Slovensko. Furthermore, it was built on geologically unstable bedrock, which was likely one of the main reasons why it was no longer restored after being damaged.

An asphalt road from the village of Borinka, which continues onto a forest path, will lead you to the remains of the castle. After roughly 800 m, you will come across a small area suitable for parking a car. The yellow-marked trail will take you directly to the ruins after a moderately challenging ascent. From the ruins of Dračia hrádok, you can continue your exploration further and reach the ruins of Pajštúnsky hrad.

If the idea of such a hike excites you, book accommodation near Dračia hrádok today. Záhorie is full of hiking as well as cultural and historical sights well worth seeing. It is entirely up to you which direction you take. An unforgettable experience will surely be a scenic boat cruise on the Dunaj or a visit to Bratislavský hrad. We believe you will enjoy your time in Záhorie and take home plenty of great experiences.

Even near Bratislava, in the village of Borinka, you can head out into nature, where you will discover a piece of history. Direct your steps to Hrad Pajštún, which is one of the sought-after attractions of Bratislava and its surroundings mainly for tourists. You will be captivated by the views of the surrounding landscape and, in great weather, you can see all the way to the Austrian Alps.

The castle was built in 1271 as a guard castle. In the 16th century, it was rebuilt into a Renaissance-style structure, which you can notice at the entrance gate. At the castle, there are 6 stone lion heads with different facial expressions. Originally there were 9. Even though a fire struck the castle in the 18th century, the Napoleonic army brought it to its knees in 1809. Only a ruin remained, which is used today by Bratislava climbers for rock climbing.

The post office directly in Borinka is included among the starting points. We can recommend it because it is the fastest hike to the castle from the village. It will take you about 35 minutes following the red trail. The castle can also be reached from the parking lot in Stupava, in the Little Carpathians. Walking along the yellow trail, you will spend a total of 50 minutes on foot through the Pod Pajštúnom reserve, part of Obora. You can also get there along the red trail from the tourist point Košarisko in the Malé Karpaty Protected Landscape Area.

Evenings around the castle can be spent, for example, observing the sky with falling meteorites. In the summer period, you might appreciate camping. There is no need to be afraid of the legend about the cruel wife. The legend says that a beggar cursed her so that she would suffer for twice eight years. The ruler's cruel wife gave birth to 7 children, kept 1, and had the other 6 killed. At the master's instruction, the maid took the sons to a neighboring castle, where servants raised them. On the occasion of their 16th birthday, they were brought back to the castle and thus the legend about the suffering was fulfilled. Who knows what truth there is to that.

You might also discover other points of interest if you book accommodation near Hrad Pajštún and start exploring the surroundings. The village of Borinka is also interesting for Dračí hrádok. Could this castle have been built based on the legend about dragons? Active holidaymakers will be pleased by the views from the Rozhľadňa Svätý Jur observation tower and the opportunity to go see the pilgrimage site Lurdská jaskyňa Marianka. Christians carry their gratitude here in honor of the Virgin Mary. Even if you walk a lot and remain full of experiences, you can lay your head in apartments in Borinka or in local family guesthouses. The choice of accommodation with us is huge, just choose the right one for you on the subpage accommodation Borinka pri Bratislave.

Slovakia is a country rich in various interesting castles and châteaux. Not only history lovers will surely appreciate a visit to the town located in the Banskobystrický kraj region in the district of Lučenec. This town is Fiľakovo, above which the majestic Fiľakovský hrad stands proudly on a hill. Visit its premises and soak up the atmosphere from ancient times.

The Fiľakovský hrad dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally, a stone castle stood on the site of the castle hill. The first written mention dates back to 1242, stating that Fiľakovský hrad withstood the Mongol invasions. This fortified noble residence went through the hands of several owners, among the most prominent being Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. The castle was conquered multiple times, yet it was always successfully restored. This was perhaps also due to the fact that sessions and meetings of the surrounding counties took place at the castle. In 1682, the castle burned down, and along with it, the county archive and the town were reduced to ashes. Unfortunately, it has never been restored to its original form since then. It recovered only to the extent that an exhibition of the Hradné múzeum vo Fiľakove museum is currently established on its premises.

In the castle complex, you can see only a single remaining original bastion. In the past, the castle consisted of a quadrangular tower with a perimeter wall, a palace, and likely an embankment with palisades. Over time, the castle was rebuilt and other structures were added. If you visit today, you can discover various displayed exhibits on the three lower floors of the five-story Bebekova bašta bastion. In the exhibition entitled Centuries of the Fiľakovo Castle, you will also discover part of the Hodejovský bronze treasure or some of the belt fittings from the period of the Avar Khaganate. In addition to the history of the castle, you will learn more about the history of the town. In the second permanent exhibition, you will explore many interesting facts about fossilized life around Fiľakovo. You can view impressions of plants and bivalves or other museum artifacts. Do not skip the exhibition entitled Fiľakovo 1938 – 1945, which will introduce you underground to life during the cruel wartime period.

The museum tries to cater to all types of visitors, which is why a relaxation corner has been created on one of the floors. Its centerpiece consists of large screens displaying video recordings with a 3D reconstruction of the castle's original state. The footage is complemented by videos from various events held at this castle. Temporary exhibitions covering various interesting topics are also regularly held on the grounds of the castle complex. Plan your visit during opening hours and step back into the past, at least in part.

So you don't end up completely exhausted after touring the castle, we recommend booking accommodation near Fiľakovský hrad. You will have it within reach and can discover other attractions this town has to offer. Taking a walk across the square, you can admire the Art Nouveau town hall building. A Baroque manor house or a parish church are also present. A horseback ride at the Julova dolina farm might be a bit more fun for you. A stroll through the city park, which originally originated from Turkish gardens, can also have a calming effect. You will experience a stunning view during a visit to the stone waterfall. In summer, refreshing yourself in the pools of the Novolandia thermal park will be wonderful.

We will gladly help you find the best accommodation in Slovakia. We offer multiple accommodation facilities located directly in the town of Fiľakovo and its surroundings. If you would like to wake up in a cozy and comfortable bed, book an Fiľakovo apartment. Perhaps private accommodation in Fiľakovo will appeal to you more in terms of price. It all depends entirely on your preferences. We will be happy to advise you.

When visiting the southernmost part of Central Slovakia and hiking through Cerová vrchovina, do not forget to come to Hrad Hajnáčka. It is an impressive ruin of a Gothic castle, standing proudly on top of a cone-shaped hill directly above the village of Hajnáčka. The castle rock is formed by a basalt effusion of volcanic origin and, according to archaeologists, it was already inhabited in the Stone Age, which only enhances the grandeur of this site. Although the ruins of the castle rise to an altitude of only 355 m above sea level, the castle rock offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape of Cerová vrchovina and nearby Hungary. Looking east from the village of Hajnáčka, you will see the Ragáč massif, a national nature reserve where volcanic caves are located. Southwest of Ragáč, you can observe the national natural monument Kostná dolina, which is the most important sapphire site in the entire Carpathian mountain range. A small sample of the blue gemstone from Kostná dolina is located in the Gemersko-malohontské múzeum v Rimavskej Sobote, and another piece can be found at the Prírodovedecká fakulta Univerzity Komenského v Bratislave.

The fortification on the rock was built in the 13th century, and its origins are written about in a charter of King Bela IV from 1245. The foundations of the castle itself were laid in 1247. The fortress is subsequently mentioned in 1320, when King Charles I Robert acquired it into his ownership and granted it for merits to the prominent noble family Széchényi. From the 15th century, the castle changed its castle lords and became an important stronghold in the defense against the Turks, who nevertheless eventually conquered it, occupied it, and abandoned it only after the fall of Fiľakovo in 1593. After the expulsion of the Turks, the castle was repaired and fortified, but in 1645 Turkish allies occupied it briefly again. After they were pushed out once more by the imperial army, the castle was thoroughly reconstructed, but unfortunately, in 1703 it burned down and has been decaying ever since. In the times of its greatest glory, a palace stood on the highest part of the rock, protected by two belts of castle wall and a bastion. An interesting feature is the castle rock, which formed part of the ramparts as well as the interior architecture, and a staircase was even carved into it. If you are attentive, in the overgrown pieces of masonry you will spot the remains of the castle walls and the carved staircase, which form the last monument to the former anti-Turkish fortress.

By the way, there is a very nice legend about the name of the castle, telling of a ruler and his daughter. While hunting a deer, the ruler lost his precious sword and his daughter decided to find it. She succeeded, and on her way back, she even killed a wild boar that had attacked a shepherd using her father's sword, thereby saving his life. A handsome young man witnessed this brave deed, fell in love with the girl at first sight, and married her. Out of love for her, he named the castle where they lived after his wife, Hajnáčka.

The ascent to Hrad Hajnáčka is relatively short with a gentle incline. The trail is about 400 meters long and can easily be handled even by smaller children. You can reach the castle rock from the village of Hajnáčka by following the yellow mark along a romantic path leading between small houses and through narrow alleys. The path will lead you right to an eye-catching wooden castle gate. From there, it is just a short distance to the castle ruins.

The nature reserve Hajnáčsky hradný vrch, declared in 1958, and the village of Hajnáčka are certainly worth a visit. The village in the central part of Cerová vrchovina, on the upper course of the Gortva stream, emerged in the mid-19th century thanks to a sulfur spring and the subsequent construction of a spa. Although you would look for the spa in Hajnáčka in vain today, you can visit, for example, an 18th-century chapel or a Neoclassical manor house from 1820. Book accommodation near Hrad Hajnáčka and explore the nearby towns of Fiľakovo or Rimavská Sobota. Set off on a tour of Fiľakovský hrad or to the Kúpele Číž spa and let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the region.

If you are drawn to ruins and old castles, you should certainly direct your attention to Hrad Hodejov, located in the Rimavská Sobota district, in the historical region of Malohont. You can reach the castle ruins via a pleasant walk from the charming village of Hodejov, situated on the left bank of the Gortva stream, about 20 km southwest of Rimavská Sobota. The remaining walls of the extinct castle proudly stand at an altitude of approximately 263 m above sea level on a steep rocky hill of Cerová vrchovina.

Although only minor remnants of its foundations have been preserved today, the castle once proudly resisted the onslaughts of both the Hussites and the Turks. Historians and archaeologists can now only assume that the path to the castle bypassed the castle complex and was guarded by a bastion on the northeast. The perimeter wall was up to 3 meters thick, the outer bailey had the shape of an elongated oval, and the castle area did not feature a tower. The castle was built in the second half of the 13th century, and the first written mention of it dates back to 1281. It mentions the battle between the Hungarian King Ladislaus the Cuman and Palatine Finta of the Aba family. The battle took place right in the open area below Hrad Hodejov. The royal army triumphed and occupied the castle. The history of the castle is very interesting; several battles were fought over its ownership, and over the centuries it had multiple castle lords who acquired it mostly through combat. In 1560, the castle resisted Ottoman attacks, despite not being fortified. Consequently, the Hungarian Diet ordered Hodejov to be fortified only in 1567, but it was already too late. The Turks conquered and devastated the castle in 1571, and it was never restored again. In modern times, the remains of the castle walls were dismantled for building material, and the site was also significantly damaged by a quarry. In 1962, archaeological research took place in the locality of Hodejov, revealing and confirming a prehistoric settlement. Archaeologists found as many as 371 pieces of bronze treasure from the Hallstatt period. That is all the more reason to visit this magical place.

And what kind of ruin would it be if it were not tied to an engaging legend? In ancient Hungarian times, when Lord Hodejovský left with his retinue on one of many military expeditions, Maiden Ľudmila, the niece of his childless wife, visited the castle. One night, someone knocked on the castle gate. They were nuns begging for shelter because their convent had been devastated. The trusting lady of the castle invited them inside, unaware that they were actually disguised women of easy virtue from the gang of the robber knight Kompolt, who had taken a liking to young Ľudmila. They stole all the valuables from the castle and kidnapped Maiden Ľudmila. Against her will, little Ľudmila lived with her kidnapper for some time until she finally managed to outsmart him. When news of the death of Lord Hodejovský arrived, she persuaded Kompolt that she was the one who would inherit Hodejov, and once they married, the castle would belong to him as her lawful husband. The greedy knight did not hesitate, and they quickly moved to the castle along with the valuables that the fake nuns had previously taken away. The bride immediately began preparing the wedding and inviting guests so that the celebration would be proper. But imagine the prospective groom's surprise when the castle filled not with wedding guests, but with the royal army. The robber gang led by Kompolt was placed in the dungeon, and order was restored in the region.

If you set out in the footsteps of clever Ľudmila, plan your route through the village of Hodejov, where iron baths and a steam mill operated as early as the 19th century. During the same period, the revolutionary Hungarian poet Sándor Petőfi, one of the most prominent figures of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, stayed here. He lived in the Hodejov manor house and was undoubtedly inspired in his work by the charming environment of the picturesque village and the ruins towering on the castle hill. Today, Hodejov is the starting point of the green hiking trail leading to Steblová skala, the Ragáč peak, and Hrad Hajnáčka. Find accommodation near Hrad Hodejov and set off on a hike through Cerová vrchovina or on a sightseeing tour of the sights right in the idyllic village. Worth visiting are the charming Kaplnka sv. Anny built on the castle hill in 1895, the Early Neoclassical Kúria Prónaiovcov, and the Eclectic Kaštieľ Dr. Emila Stojkovicsa. Furthermore, St. Hubert's hunting celebrations are organized in the village every year. Join in and plan an unforgettable trip with accommodation in guest houses or apartments in Gemer.