Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Marian Hubinsky

Trenčín Castle was built in the 10th century. Since 11th century it was the royal castle, which not only withstood Tatar invasions, but also served as a fortress against the Turks. It was gradually rebuilt and expanded, but the castle burnt down in 1790. Its reconstruction began just after 1945.

Trenčín Castle is accessible all year-round except for Mondays. You can get there directly from the city centre by following the street leading from the main city’s square (Mierové námestie). The castle is nicely illuminated at night.

Various events are held on the castle during the summer, such as folk exhibitions, fencing tournaments, live music concerts and more. One part of the castle serves as a gallery where you can see oil paintings of local nobility, emblems and seals.

The biggest attraction of the castle is 80 metres deep well, called Well of Love. The well is excavated into the hard rock and it is said that the well was built by Turkish Omar Pasha. Stephen Zápoľský held in captivity a beautiful girl Fatima, loved by Omar, and Zápoľský promised him that if he sink a well at the castle, he will let her go. The works lasted three years and then Fatima and Omar could really leave the castle.

In Trenčín you can also find many other historical sites. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Slovakia and certainly worth a visit.

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But another of the great entertainment options in London – and one you may not know too much about – is comedy.

Britain has produced many famous stand-up comedians over the years, and in London you get the chance to see them in action. The most famous comedy clubs in the capital include the Comedy Store, between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, and Jongleurs in Covent Garden. Both have featured on TV numerous times.

Jongleurs, for example, has hosted TV shows from the likes of Steve Coogan, Jack Dee and Lee Evans. The Comedy Store is where the likes of French & Saunders, Mike Myers and Ben Elton cut their teeth.

The best way to find out which comedians are appearing at which venues is Time Out, the famous London listings magazine which is now also available online. The site gives details for all shows at venues like the Leicester Square Theatre, Hammersmith Apollo, Bloomsbury Theatre, Comedy Café as well as the comedy clubs on the outskirts of the capital.

If you’re a newcomer to the London comedy scene, it’s a good idea to check out the Critics’ choice section of the site where experts give their tips on shows you just have to see. And you can buy tickets for the shows with just a few clicks, too.

The best London hotels will have a concierge service where you can buy tickets for comedy, theatre and music concerts.

Comedy clubs are rarely discounted, but tickets are not that expensive. If you want to see a top West End show, on the other hand, you may well be able to get a half-price ticket from the well-known discount booth in Leicester Square.

To get the best deals on hotels around London, you can visit sites like www.expedia.co.uk, booking.com or lastminute.com.

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Orava Castle, Slovakia by Wojsyl

The Castle itself was constructed at the site were an old wooden fort had once stood during the Mongol invasion. The old Fort unfortunately did not survive the invasion, and soon after was replaced with the Orava Castle, which stands today. And while the Castle has undergone a number of reconstructions throughout the centuries, the most extensive reconstruction occurred back in 1611.

Unfortunately, as the centuries went on the Castle eventually fell into disrepair until the early 1800s when it was burnt to the ground completely. However, thanks to the extensive efforts of the government as well as locals, another major reconstruction effort began shortly after the end of World War II.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects about the Orava Castle is that of the entrance to the Castle. There are three levels of the Castle, which includes lower, central as well as upper parts. As a result, anyone who enters the Castle will have to walk through a tunnel under which the Castle’s dungeon can clearly be seen beneath. The highest part is on a steep rocky limestone cliff 112 m above the Orava river. Middle part consists of medieval buildings – Corvinus Palace and the Palace of Ján from Dubová village. The lower castle is particularly Thurzo Palace and the castle church where some members of Thurzo family are buried, the older tower and terrace. On this terrace there was a summer theatre for several years.

Today the Castle itself serves as a Museum to not just the Castle, but also to the archaeology of the region, the history of the settlements along the Orava River as well as the nation. There are countless exhibits that can be found throughout the Castle including a regular theatre and street performers. One of the most interesting aspects about visiting the Orava Castle is that it is open in the night-time to allow visitors to have a truly enchanted experience.

The basic admission is €5 – €6 and often include also the fencing duel or several music concerts from the previous periods. If you are planning your trip to Slovakia, do not forget to visit Orava castle, you will be surprised how nice it is.

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