Lednický hrad
We invite you to the village of Lednica, above which the dominant feature of the Biele Karpaty mountains, Hrad Lednica, rises on a steep limestone cliff. In the past, Lednický hrad was among the castles with the most difficult accessibility. Today, the castle is a ruin, but extensive and intensive restoration has been taking place here since 2004, so better times are dawning for the castle. Come see the panoramic view of the Biele Karpaty and Morava and discover this place woven with history.
The first written mentions of the castle date back to 1259, but archaeological finds confirm that the cliff was inhabited as early as 2,000 years ago. The fortress was built to guard the road that led through Považie to Morava. Throughout the history of the castle, several owners took turns here. Count Marek of Lednica is mentioned among the first owners, and for a certain period, it was also owned by the powerful and feared "lord of the Váh and Tatras," Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. Other well-known owners included the Pakši family, the brothers Sobek and Matej Bielik, the Rákóczi family, the robber brothers Podmanický, as well as the Maťašovský family.
The castle consisted of three parts and was almost inaccessible. The lower outer bailey was located at the lowest level, housing defensive bastions, a prison, a room for bailiffs, a stable, a carriage room, and a blacksmith shop. The courtyard was accessed via a drawbridge and a tunnel carved into the rock.
In the courtyard of the middle castle were the main palace residential buildings for servants, utility rooms, storerooms, and the castellan's dwelling. It is assumed that during its heyday, the castle had 45 rooms and defensive towers with bastions. Perhaps the greatest attraction is the local observation post, to which a path leads up a steel ladder and stairs carved directly into the rock face.
Below the castle, you will find a spring to which a sad story is tied. On the day when the beautiful serf Katarínka was marrying the castle forester Ondrej, a boisterous celebration took place at the castle. The castle lord, a passionate count, decided that he would not accept gifts from the wedding guests, but claimed the right of the first night. The heartbroken Katarínka did not want to break her vow of fidelity and chose instead to jump from the castle window into the abyss. At the spot where she perished, a spring of water burst forth, which is named Katarínkin prameň in her honor. An interesting fact is that Jan Amos Komenský also liked to visit the spring.
Take a look at the wooden cross placed on the steep rock below the castle as well. It was erected there by the serfs as a sign of Katarínka and Ondrej's fidelity. The road from the village of Lednica and an access path leading around the spring will guide you to the castle.
After climbing to Lednický hrad, take a break and relax at the swimming pool in the nearby village of Lednické Rovne. Another great place you can visit in the area is Botanický park v Lednických Rovniach and the ruins of Vršatský hrad in Vršatské Podhradie. The region of Biele Karpaty is full of great attractions that are worth visiting. Don't hesitate and book your stay today. You can find a wide range of accommodation near the ruins of Lednický hrad castle on our page ubytovanie v Lednici.
