Ruins Počúvadlo

In the district of Banská Štiavnica, the highest peak of Štiavnické vrchy, the Sitno peak, is the dominant feature. Right on it, you can find the ruins of the famous Sitno castle, which provided defense against enemies. Visit the village of Ilija, into whose cadastral area Sitniansky hrad falls.

The history of Sitno castle dates back to the 13th century, when it was established as a fortified hillfort on this peak. Three centuries later, a gate with a defensive function was added. The castle consisted of two parts: the upper castle palace and the lower castle. This castle was not lacking a courtyard, a water cistern, or loopholes either. Unfortunately, in the 18th century, estate uprisings definitively destroyed the castle, leaving only a ruin.

During its era of greatest prosperity, the castle was besieged in 1548 by royal troops. At that time, it was seized by the robber knight Melichar Balassa. Less than a hundred years later, the castle passed into the permanent care of the Koháry family. They remained the owners of the castle until its destruction. After 1710, at the end of the anti-Habsburg uprisings, the castle served as a source of building material for Rozhľadňa na Sitne and Kaštieľ vo Svätom Antone.

If you are intrigued by the history of the castle and remember various legends, one tells the tale of the fate of two brothers, the knights of Sitno. The older one received the entire estate from his father on his deathbed; the younger one was not happy with this and built his own castle on Malé Sitno. There may be some truth to these legends shrouded in mystery about Sitno castle.

You can reach Sitno castle by car from the village of Ilija. Following the green hiking trail (an asphalt path through Vlčia jama), the ascent is less demanding, though it takes longer. A path also leads to the castle from Počúvadlianske jazero, also along the green trail past cottages through the forest. After a while, you will reach Tatárska lúka with an educational trail, from where you can take the blue trail directly to the castle.

Along with visiting the castle, it is a great idea to plan an ascent to the Sitno peak. It is also possible to complete it on horseback. A horse, along with a professional guide, can be rented for you at Ranč Nádej in Svätý Anton. You can travel back into history at Kaštieľ vo Svätom Antone. If you come as a family with children, it is a good idea to book accommodation near Sitno castle in advance. In the village of Ilija, there is a choice of several guest houses or private accommodations in Ilija. We believe that you will fully enjoy your time conquering this attraction, also thanks to pleasant accommodation in Slovakia.

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.

You can find the ruins of the Gothic Hrad Revište castle on a steep andesite hill, on the right bank of the Hron river, in the Revištské Podzámčie district of Žarnovica. It was built at the same time as Šášovský hrad, which is located on the opposite bank of the river. Their significance lay in protecting a narrow pass through which a trade route led to the central Slovak mining towns.

The fortress is first mentioned in 1265, and later, in 1331, as a royal castle. It was built at a strategically advantageous location and joined the system of watch castles along the Hron river. During its existence, like other castles in Slovakia, it passed through many owners. Their shared history is very closely linked, even regarding the castle lords. In 1647, after the extinction of the Dóczy family line, this fortified residence, along with the adjacent villages, once again became royal property.

During the uprising of Imrich Thököly, it was ransacked and damaged, but was repaired shortly thereafter. However, it is not known how its ultimate downfall occurred. The last surviving accounts from 1701 mention the cleaning of the castle chimneys. It is clear that during the first phase of Rákóczi's uprising, the castle definitively lost its defensive function and began to fall into ruin. The end of this fortified residence is confirmed by a detailed description of the Revište estate from 1801. The document states that it was the original seat of the landowners, but had not been inhabited for more than a hundred years.

Originally, it consisted of an inner fortified tower and a courtyard with a Gothic palace. The entrance from the lower to the upper courtyard was protected by a circular bastion. From the southern side, a rampart wall connected to the tower, defining a narrow longitudinal courtyard. Part of the courtyard was also a cistern, which has been preserved to this day.

Since 2012, the yellow-marked Náučný chodník Majitelia hradu Revište leads to the ruins directly from the Pod Hradom restaurant. At a brisk walk, the ascent will take you no more than 30 minutes. From the castle hill, you will enjoy a fantastic view of the entire Hron valley, the town of Žiar nad Hronom, and the Štiavnické vrchy. The castle grounds come alive especially during the summer, when various festivities take place, such as the Strašidelná noc hradov a zrúcanín, Rozprávková cesta, or the children's Spartan race King Race.

Also interesting is the legend of the beautiful Selima and the castle lord. Selima was the daughter of the main Turkish captain stationed at Levický hrad. One day, she planned an escape with her beloved, and this fortress became their hiding place. When the Turk found out, he challenged the castle lord to a duel. On the fateful day, a strange figure in knight's armor appeared before the Turkish captain. He did not hesitate and drew his sword. When the knight fell dead to the ground, he discovered that beneath the knight's attire was his beloved daughter Selima, who wanted to save the castle lord from certain death. Unable to bear his deed, the Turk took his own life as well.

A sweet conclusion to a lovely day in nature can be a stop at the nearby Zveropark. After a day full of discovery, relax and stay at the Žarnovická chalúpka. You can browse the full range of accommodation options near Hrad Revište on our accommodation in Žarnovica page.

The surroundings of Žarnovica hide many great attractions worth seeing. A summer vacation without swimming would hardly be a vacation at all. Take your family to the Kúpalisko Žarnovica pool and enjoy the sunshine by the water. We also recommend the popular Vodný raj Vyhne, which is open year-round.