Ruins Krškany

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.

On the forested Hrádok hill, which rises above the village of Tekovská Breznica in the Žarnovica district, you will find the ruins of Breznický hrad castle. From the 13th century, it served a guard function on the western edge of Štiavnické vrchy. Set out along the hiking trail directly from the village for approximately 1.5 km and enjoy the far-reaching views that Hrad Breznica has to offer.

The castle remembers a lot in its history. It experienced several pillages and was conquered by almost all lords who set their minds to it, including Matúš Čák Trenčiansky and Matej Korvín. After being conquered by Turkish forces, the castle was occupied by robber knights and gradually fell into ruin starting in the 18th century. However, the view that greets you after climbing to the ruins is well worth it. You can see all the way to the monastery in Hronský Beňadik or the town of Nová Baňa. In the vicinity of Breznický hrad, you will also find the remains of two structures, namely Hrádok na Sokolej skale and the Strážna veža watchtower at the Pustý hrad site. Legend has it that after dark, the ruins and their surroundings are haunted by a cursed maiden who, according to folklore, was a traitress and helped facilitate an enemy attack on the castle.

You can also enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature in the stredné Pohronie region by visiting Starohutský vodopád waterfall in Nová Baňa, in the Stará Huta area, or enjoy relaxation, peace, and sunshine by the Tajch water reservoir. Tajch, whose surroundings are framed by the Pohronský Inovec mountain range, is a great place for swimming in the summer and for ice skating in the event of a freezing winter. So, if you visit stredné Pohronie in the winter, do not miss the nearby Ski centrum Drozdovo in the village of Veľká Lehota.

Haven't you visited this beautiful region yet? Simply choose from our offer of accommodation near Breznický hrad castle and find the right date. Book a picturesque cottage or wooden house in Tekovská Breznica, or find comfort and convenience in one of the guesthouses on offer. Whether you are going on a trip with children or friends, we believe you will enjoy your time together.