Hrad Strečno
Have you ever traveled from western to eastern Slovakia through the Považie region and wondered about the name of the majestic castle ruins directly above the road? It was likely Hrad Strečno. It is one of many along the Váh River and is a popular tourist destination worth stopping for.
You will find the castle above the small village bearing the same name, Strečno. It lies near the Váh River, just a short distance east of Žilina. Strečno creates an unforgettable backdrop on a high rock, and you certainly won't miss it.
To discover all the beauties of this monument, you will have to climb to an altitude of 420 meters above sea level. However, it is well worth it. You will learn about its rich history as well as its present. Interestingly, the castle is not that old. The first written mention of it dates back to 1316, when likely only a castle tower stood here. Even so, it is one of the younger castles. It protected an important trade route through Považie, and tolls were collected here.
The founding of the castle was carried out by the Balaša family. The castle later became royal property. It was managed by none other than the famous Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. Later, it came into the hands of the Pongrác family. An interesting fact is that this family also managed the nearby Starý hrad, giving them control over everything and everyone who entered Považie. Afterwards, its owners changed very rapidly, and the castle passed through many hands. Perhaps the most famous owner was Ján Zápoľský.
Later, the castle became a center for rebels. Imperial troops had a significant upper hand and damaged the castle. This happened in the 17th century, and Strečno fell into ruin for many years after that. Reconstruction began only in 1978, and it was opened to the public in 1995.
One of the owners of the castle was František Vešeléni. This name probably means nothing to any of you, but his wife had a more renowned name: Žofia Bošňáková. 45 years after her death, her body was found intact, even though it was not mummified or embalmed! The locals therefore began to consider her a saint, and her body was displayed in nearby Teplička nad Váhom. Unfortunately, in 2004, a perpetrator set it on fire and destroyed her body. After the restoration of the remains, Žofia's body has been on display again since 2012. Another interest of the castle is that the famous movie Dragonheart was filmed here. An exhibition of the Považské múzeum v Žiline is housed inside the castle, and you will also be captivated by regular cultural events or night tours.
There are plenty of accommodation facilities directly in Strečno. You will find hostels or pleasant guesthouses here. Other villages below Strečno where you can spend your holiday include, for example, Varín or Vrútky. All you need to do is choose and wake up with centuries-old walls directly above you. Hrad Strečno offers this and much more; just come and see for yourself.
