Ruins Spiš

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.

Nestled in the Spiš region, the village of Holumnica is located in the Kežmarok district and will catch your eye from afar with its castle. It is right here that you can find the ruins of Holumnický hrad or Holumnický zámok. Today, it serves as a great spot for hikers or families with children.

Hrad Holumnica is shrouded in a veil of mystery. It is assumed that it was built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. During its existence, it was modified several times. Originally, the castle served as a three-story residential building constructed in the Gothic-Renaissance style. If you were expecting a tower or its remnants at this castle, you will not find one. Interestingly, walls with slit loopholes were discovered here.

Although the building was mostly inhabited by one of the families from a prominent noble lineage in this region, its walls were not occupied for very long. Around the 17th century, the castle became a building used as a residential seat for a member of the family. Later, it became merely a building used to store various materials. Unfortunately, more precise records do not exist.

Plan a trip to the ruins of this castle and park your car near the municipal office. You might even find accommodation near Holumnický hrad. The path to it is very easy. A small alley leading over a wooden footbridge across the Holumnický stream will bring you to your destination. It will take you just 10 minutes on foot. This attraction will not strain your budget either, as no admission fee is charged at the castle ruins and entry is at your own risk.

Holumnica offers many possibilities for how to spend time directly in the village or its surroundings. Book accommodation in the village of Holumnica in advance and check out the local Rímskokatolícky kostol sv. Kataríny. Nearby, you can also explore the premises of the Kláštor piaristov. In Vyšné Ružbachy, on the other hand, you can enjoy a perfect swim in the Ružbašské krátery. After that, all you need to do is head back to your private accommodation in Holumnica and spend pleasant moments with your partner.

If you have ever driven around the Stará Ľubovňa district, the work in the village of Plaveč – Plavečský hrad certainly did not escape your attention. It spreads above the wide valley of the Poprad river. Its original function was reserved for defense, nowadays it serves rather as a place with magnificent views of the wide surroundings. Do you want to experience a pleasant picnic in an amazing atmosphere or go on a minor hike as a family? Then choose Hrad Plaveč as your trip destination.

The castle was built in the 13th century. Plavečský hrad was built by the nobleman Arnold, son of Ditrich from Spiš. Significant dynasties inhabited it, among them for example the Anjou or the Luxembourg family. In the 18th century, it lost its significance and was rebuilt into a residential mansion. Since the statics of the castle were disrupted, its owners moved to the manor house. It gradually began to decay, and a fire also engulfed it. Now, with the help of volunteers, it is being successfully reconstructed.

This luxurious mansion thus became the attraction of Plaveč, which many tourists visit every year. You can set out for the Deň Hradu Plaveč event, which takes place on the last Sunday of August, or alternatively for children's day during the first Saturday of June.

Access to the castle is very simple. You can start in the village of Plaveč and direct your steps to the Podzámok locality. You will recognize the castle already on the basis of its silhouette. The journey takes about 10 to 15 minutes on foot and even smaller children can manage it. So as not to tire them out too much, we recommend checking out accommodation near Hrad Plaveč. It is one of the ways to spend a nice time.

There are also many other places in the vicinity of the village that you can visit. Many clients of Ľubovnianske kúpele praise the surrounding nature. Do not miss amazing walks along trails or cycling routes. A tour of the slightly more distant Nestville park is also interesting. However, if you plan a wellness stay in the guest house Plaveč, you will certainly be more than satisfied. Slightly more privacy on the other hand is offered by chalets and cottages Plaveč. Of course, the choice of accommodation in Plaveč is entirely up to you.