Spiš Castle
One of Europe's largest castle ruins, spread over a travertine hill above the Spiš plain.
Spiš Castle occupies a travertine hill above the town of Spišské Podhradie and covers about four hectares, which makes it one of the largest castle complexes in central Europe. A stone castle was raised here in the first half of the twelfth century as a seat of royal power in the Spiš region, and it survived the Mongol invasion of 1241. The Romanesque palace and the round keep of the upper castle are the oldest surviving parts, later enclosed by Gothic and Renaissance fortifications.
The castle was held by the Zápolya, Thurzo and Csáky families before fire destroyed it in 1780; it has remained a ruin ever since. Conservation work began in the twentieth century and the site opened to visitors, with exhibitions on medieval weaponry, castle archaeology and torture housed in the restored rooms. Since 1993 it has formed part of the UNESCO World Heritage site that also takes in Levoča, the chapter town of Spišská Kapitula and the church at Žehra. It is managed by the Spiš Museum in Levoča.
Highlights
- Romanesque round keep and palace of the upper castle
- Views across the Spiš basin from the ramparts
- Exhibitions on medieval arms and castle archaeology
- UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993
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