Oravský hrad
Together we will head to the north of Slovakia, to a region that was plagued by hunger and poverty for many centuries. The difficult serf life, in contrast with breathtaking nature, continues to amaze tourists to this day. The hard, cold, and rugged Orava shows off its beauty. One of the greatest is undoubtedly Oravský hrad.
Oravský hrad definitely cannot be overlooked. It proudly towers on a majestic rocky cliff, thanks to which it is not only clearly visible, but also enjoys a great strategic location. Judge for yourself: for enemies in the High Middle Ages, it was surely almost impossible to conquer the 112-meter steep cliff.
If you think the castle is located near the famous Oravská priehrada, you are mistaken. You will find it a bit further south, by the village of Oravský Podzámok. An important trade route once passed through here. A stone successor was built on the site of a wooden fort. It is first mentioned in the year 1267. King Belo IV. exchanged it for Žilina, Varín, and Sučany, making it a royal castle. The castle passed through the hands of many owners and nobles. The most prominent family in its history is undoubtedly the Thurzovci. The first of them, František I. Thurzo, bought it in 1556. Later, the family had no male successor, leaving only 7 women. They chose a single administrator and thus maintained control over the property. It was thanks to the Thurzovci that Oravský hrad acquired the appearance it has today through reconstructions. The fortification was modified and reinforced between 1556 and 1621.
Even Oravský hrad could not avoid disaster in the form of a fire. It was engulfed in flames in the exact year of 1800. It was likely caused by a single spark that flew out of a chimney and set the entire roof ablaze. The first essential repairs took place only a century later, lasting from 1906 to 1912. During World War II, German troops settled at the castle, setting up a military observation post in the complex. More extensive reconstruction occurred between 1953 and 1968.
What can you see today at the castle above the Orava river? The castle premises house the exposition of Oravské múzeum. The most significant is its historical section, the castle itself. Its beauty has even enchanted filmmakers from all over the world. Many of you certainly know that the movieThomas the Falconer was filmed at the castle, but we have one more interesting fact. Footage for the cult 1922 film Nosferatu also comes from Oravský hrad. Part of the museum is also an ethnographic exposition focusing on the traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants of Orava, with an emphasis on the most typical craft, pastoral sheep farming. Finally, you will find an interesting natural science exposition showcasing the fauna and flora of Orava.
The most ideal option will be to stay directly below the castle cliff in Oravský Podzámok. Very affordable accommodation can be found in Orava. The saying "bang for your buck" applies here. You will be able to choose from a tourist hostel, private rental, guesthouse, or one of the private cottages. Whether you are a couple, a family, or an entire group, you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for.
