Ruins Nitriansky kraj

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 original knight's Hrad Skýcov ranks rather among manor houses with its current architecture. It is situated in the village of Skýcov located in the Zlaté Moravce district. The fortified historical building in the Romanesque style with corner towers dates back to the late 17th century. However, the history of this mysterious place began to be written a full 200 years earlier. A Gothic stone small castle, around which the floor plan of today's building developed, probably stood here as early as the 15th century. The interior of the cultural monument is currently not accessible to the public, but the building with an atmosphere of ancient history creates a beautiful setting for a walk with the opportunity to admire the neo-Romanesque architecture.

The sprawling three-story double-tract manor house is the dominant feature of the village center. Originally a Renaissance building with an "L"-shaped floor plan, it was rebuilt into a romantic neo-Romanesque chateau in the 19th century. Its center consisted of a ceremonial hall intended for magnificent celebrations and feasts. Here, the nobility entertained themselves and feasted. The backdrop was formed by magnificent vaults stretching all the way to the top of the tower. Part of the fortified core is a number of towers, dominated by a round stone corner tower. In its time, it received a characteristic name, Nebojsa. The property was protected by a moat, across which a drawbridge led.

The manor house was burned down after World War II, and its restoration did not take place until the 1990s. In addition to the dominant corner tower, an attraction for tourists is also the picturesque decoration of facades with rustication and buttresses with a touch of romance. Will you also let yourself be invited for a romantic walk with the backdrop of a beautiful historical building? The surroundings of the manor house are easily accessible with the option of parking just a few meters from the property.

You can extend your trip into history by visiting the ruins of Hrušov castle or taking a walk to the guard Živánska veža. You can then treat yourself to a bird's-eye view of the adjacent nature by climbing the Rozhľadňa na Drieňovej observation tower, and you will surely visit the Zubria zvernica Topoľčianky bison enclosure with children. Search for accommodation in the vicinity of Hrad Skýcov on our portal right now and start planning your adventurous stay. Whether you decide on accommodation in Skýcov or find accommodation in Zlaté Moravce, you will have local points of interest and attractions at your fingertips.