Ľubovniansky hrad
Few people would guess that northeastern Slovakia, bordering Poland, is a place where you can find interesting castles. Nevertheless, we have a trip idea for you in this area as well. If you set out to discover the beauties of Pieniny or the wild Dunajec, visit the town of Stará Ľubovňa. Above it towers the well-known Ľubovniansky hrad castle.
In the past, when Slovakia did not yet exist, trade was conducted between our homeland and the surrounding areas much like today. The Kingdom of Hungary (Uhorsko) and Poland were significant partners, and one of the most important trade routes of that time led beneath what is now Ľubovniansky hrad. It was created as a guard castle that ensured the defense and safety of the route. It was built around the year 1280 by the husband of the daughter of the Hungarian King Béla IV.
The castle initially went through a bumpy development. Its owners changed virtually one after another; it even happened that a certain family controlled it for only 4 years. Despite this instability, Ľubovniansky hrad made its mark on history in a big way. Poland and the Kingdom of Hungary agreed on peace, as the Kingdom of Hungary was interested in expanding its empire toward Dalmatia and Venetia. Battles with Poland were unnecessarily weakening it, so peace was the best way forward. Moreover, Poland lent money to the Kingdom of Hungary to conquer new territories, so it needed collateral. And so, in 1412, Ľubovniansky hrad, together with 16 other Spiš towns, ended up under Polish pledge.
The period under Polish rule lasted from 1412 until 1769. The castle was inhabited at the time by Polish mayors representing the pledged territory. For the castle, it was a significant benefit. During this time, the castle underwent its largest reconstructions, partly due to a castle fire in 1553. King Sigismund II Augustus ordered an extensive reconstruction into a Renaissance fortress. An interesting fact is that the most modern bastion, a defensive tower, was built at the castle at that time. For a certain period, the Polish coronation jewels were also kept at the castle.
Polish rule over the castle ended only in 1772 during the reign of Maria Theresa. The most significant noble family of the final period and at the same time the last owner of the castle was the Zamoyski family from 1883 to 1945.
What about the castle today? Part of the castle is in its original condition, part as a ruin. You certainly won't be bored here. In the preserved part, there is a museum where you will have the opportunity to see exhibitions of period furniture, weapons, or an exhibition room. Directly below the castle cliff lies another attraction, the Múzeum ľudovej architektúry open-air museum. You will thus see with your own eyes how not only the nobility lived, but also their subjects.
Stará Ľubovňa offers the widest accommodation options in the area. More demanding guests who enjoy pleasant hotels will find what they are looking for, as will those who prefer budget accommodation. Plenty of private stays, hostels, and cottages will convince you to visit Ľubovniansky hrad as well.
