Ruins Ružín

The remnants of the mysterious Hrad Sokoľ are located west of the village of the same name, at the end of the Uhrič valley, on Hrádek hill. The village of Sokoľ is situated in the Košice-okolie district. An educational trail leads from its center all the way to the ruins of a medieval castle, the origin of which remains shrouded in mystery to this day. In addition to the stone ruins, tourists are drawn to Hrádek by a castle cave leading underneath the central part of the former structure. Will you find the courage to enter the castle underground?

It is assumed that Hrad Sokoľ was built after the devastating Mongol invasions that marked the beginning of the 13th century. This period is also known as a boom in the construction of stone castles in difficult-to-access terrains, which were intended to serve as refuge in case the Mongol forces returned. Hrad Sokoľ was also virtually hidden in dense forests, far from settled areas. The first written record of its existence dates back to 1299. The structure was likely demolished in the 15th century by the city of Košice, to which it was reportedly gifted by King Sigismund.

Based on current findings, it is believed to have been a smaller castle featuring a guard tower and a residential palace. To this day, only an earthen rampart with a ditch and remnants of the castle walls have been preserved. The greatest attraction for visitors is the castle cave located beneath the castle. It reaches a length of 27 meters and leads underneath the central part of the former structure. You can find the entrance to the cave about 12 meters below the castle on the northeastern slope. It is a modified natural cave that likely served as a cellar.

You can reach the castle ruins and the castle cave via an educational trail leading directly from the village of Sokoľ. In front of the castle ditch, you will be greeted by an information board offering more details about the castle. The entire area is well-maintained, featuring benches that offer a peaceful spot for rest and a mounted double cross. The route from the village to this location is easy, with a length of about 6 km.

Set out on a hike into the history of an almost forgotten Slovak castle. You can combine your trip here with a visit to Slovakia's largest zoo, Zoologická záhrada Košice, or with a hike to the Vyhliadka Jánošíkova bašta viewpoint, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Hornád valley. Or would you prefer a trip on the Košice Children's Heritage Railway? The choice is entirely yours, as is the selection of accommodation near Hrad Sokoľ. On our portal, you will find a range of accommodations in Sokoľ and the immediate surroundings, as well as an interesting array of options in Košice. Start preparing for a stay packed with experiences.

If you enjoy going on trips into nature, head up to the cliff behind the town of Gelnica and discover the remains of Gelnický hrad castle. The history of this once grand residence dates back to 1234. In ancient times, it was also known as Thurzov hrad castle. Take a pleasant walk with your family and enjoy quality time spent together in nature. A marked hiking trail leading from the Banícke múzeum museum will guide you to the remains of this medieval fortress.

You will find the ruins of the castle in a place called „zámčisko“. The purpose of constructing the castle was to protect the town and its mines. Since its establishment, it went through many hands. During times of unrest and continuous battles for the Hungarian throne between Ferdinand I of Habsburg and John Zápolya, the castle was destroyed. Following Zápolya's defeat, Ferdinand I gifted Gelnický hrad castle to the nobleman Alexej Thurzo, who had it rebuilt and expanded.

The Thurzo family owned the castle until 1636, when its last male descendant, Michal Thurzo, passed away. For a short time, the castle became state property. In 1638, King Ferdinand III granted it to Count Štefan Csáky and his wife Eva Forgách. During the reign of the Csáky family, several uprisings broke out, during which the castle and the town changed hands repeatedly. The castle began to fall into disrepair, and from 1765 onwards, it served merely as a training ground for the hussars of Gelnica.

The final destruction was brought about by the town itself when it ordered the stone from the walls to be used for the construction of the town hall and adjacent buildings. It is assumed that the castle had four bastions and a main entrance on the eastern side. In addition to the main entrance, there were three other courtyards at the castle. The most well-preserved section is the torso of the castle tower with a window opening and a loophole.

During an archaeological survey in 1963, it was discovered that 14 underground tunnels lead out into the surroundings of the castle. Various artifacts were also found, such as keys, weapons, spurs, and other items. The castle ruins are freely accessible all year round. From the castle hill, you will enjoy a wonderful view over the entire town. If you head to the castle in autumn, your children will certainly be delighted by the chestnuts they find under the trees in the chestnut alley.

After visiting „zámčisko“, set off for Turzovské jazero lake and enjoy a great picnic on its shores. On your travels, you can also stop by the Banícke múzeum, which will introduce you to the history of mining in the area. In the surroundings of Gelnica, there are many fantastic attractions worth visiting. Don't wait and book your weekend stay in the Slovenské rudohorie mountains today. A wide selection of accommodation near the ruins of Gelnický hrad castle can be found on our page accommodation in Gelnica. We wish you a wonderful and undisturbed stay.