Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Maciej Kasprzyk

The first written mention of the Książ castle dates back to 1288. It was one of several defensive castles built by duke Bolek I “the Cruel”. In 1508 Książ castle fell into the hands of John von Haugwitz, who sold it to Conrad von Hochberg.

Książ castle was rebuilt many times, so it combines many architectural and artistic styles – including the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and eclectic elements. The most beautiful part of the castle is certainly Maximilian Hall, which was used for concerts and theater performances, and its interior served as a setting for several movies.

One of the most important and also the most tragic periods in the history of the castle was the time of the World War II. In 1941 Książ castle was occupied by the Nazis. All the valuable works of art, furniture and contents of the castle library where took by Nazis. Many underground corridors were built below the castle, which proves that Nazis prepared here one of the seats of the German dictator Adolph Hitler.

Książ castle combines the history of several nations and many people. In addition to the standard attributes of building castles like beautiful gates, bastions and towers, also hundreds of undiscovered secrets are waiting here for the visitors.

The castle is open daily except for Mondays from 10:00am to 3:00pm (extended in Summer and weekends). You can attend several routes, the basic admission is 20PLN (€5).

For further details visit the official website of Książ castle.

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The city lay on the original crusader fortress (1265) and was lying on the important trade route. This caused the fast growing. Thanks to it, the town was fortified, and lots of medieval monuments were built, which tourists still respectfully admire. These are mainly the remains of fortifications with bastions and especially red tower from 15th century and Gate Tallinn from the 17th century.

The people from Pärnu are mainly proud of the local, several kilometers long, sandy beach. In the middle of summer, the temperature is around 20-25 °C. The sea is not too salty.

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The Castle itself was originally built back in 1320. And although a number of additions have been added over the years, the original courtyard which can be found in the upper part of the Castle is the most well preserved part of the original construction.

Krasna horka castle, Slovakia by Janos Korom Dr.

During the times of the Turkish threat to Slovakia, several fortifications were added to the Castle including three canon bastions as well as a terrace. Then again in the 18th century, when the Chapel of Nativity of the Virgin Mary was constructed within the castle grounds, one of the canon bastions were also reconstructed.

Today Krásna Hôrka Castle is home to the Slovak National Museum which is dedicated to not just history but also the development of the Castle over the centuries. Anyone who chooses to visit the Castle will see just how rich and colourful history of the area actually is. There are sections of the Castle that are dedicated to the various aristocrats and owners of the property since the castle was first built back in the early 14th century.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the Krásna Hôrka Castle is its amazing collection of arms. There are countless medieval weapons exhibits which can be seen within the museum. There are also several modern weapons as well. One of the most popular attractions in this section of the museum are a pair of bronze cannons, which were built back in 1547.

Entrance to Krasna Horka Castle, Slovakia by Bubamara

Upon entering into the Krásna Hôrka Castle, many people will notice the medieval style catapult which is situated near the front gate. This catapult was built in the late 20th century and is used every single year during the annual Castle Games. Just outside the nearby village of Krásnohorské Podhradie, you will also find a Muslim, which contains the sarcophagi of two members of the Andrássy family who are one of the most popular and famous owners of the Castle.

The castle was damaged by fire in 2012, therefore it is still closed and you will only be able to see it from outside. However you can already plan your visit for next year, when the reconstruction works are planned to be finished or you can also visit other attractions in its neighbourhood such as Betliar Manor House, Jasovská Cave, Domica Cave or hike through Zádieslká tiesňava Canyon.

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