Spis Castle
★ 4.6🇸🇰 SpisSuggested visit 2-3 hoursBest season May to September, when the site is open and paths are dry
World HeritageCastleHistoric site
One of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe, four hectares of broken walls on a green hilltop.
Overview
Covering about four hectares, Spis Castle is among the largest castle ruins in Central Europe. Begun in the 12th century, it served as an administrative and military centre of the Kingdom of Hungary before a fire in 1780 left it to decay. The keep, walls and towers remain, with wide views over the surrounding hills and villages. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List with nearby monuments in 1993.
History
Begun as a border fortress in the 12th century and later a noble residence, it was abandoned after a fire in 1780 and has been conserved since the 20th century.
Highlights
- •Four hectares of castle ruins
- •The keep and surviving walls
- •Hilltop views over villages
- •The Gothic church in the village below
Practical tips
- •The steps inside are steep — wear grippy shoes
- •Night-time guided tours run in summer
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- About EUR 8 for adults
- Opening hours
- 9:00-17:00 (some areas closed in winter)
- Local food
- Bryndzove halusky, roast pork knuckle, strudel
- Getting around
- About an hour by car from Kosice, or train to Spisska Nova Ves then walk up.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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