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.

View Trenčín Castle – one of the most visited monuments in Slovakia in a larger map

The post Trenčín Castle – one of the most visited monuments in Slovakia appeared first on Europe Explored.

The fort is protected by the state since 1904, first as a national monument, and later as a place of cultural interest. The castle itself was rebuilt in the 20th century. It was built of red bricks which is typical for that area.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by MANUEL ZALDÍVAR

Castillo de la Mota has two main parts, its own citadel of three massive stone towers guarding the original Muslim town, and the dilapidated abbey of Santa Maria Mayor. Here we find the Gothic church of Iglesia San Miguel with a Renaissance facade and painting by El Greco and a mosque rebuilt in 1341 to the Church of Santo Domingo de Silos. If a hot weather is not a problem for you, you could climb to the tower of the fort where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the whole neighbourhood and the ancient town walls.

View Castillo de la Mota – beautiful medieval fortress in Spain in a larger map

The post Castillo de la Mota – beautiful medieval fortress in Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

Santa María de León Cathedral was built of golden sandstone, in the Gothic style in the 13th Century. Master Cathedral architect was Enrique. It was built in the place where originally (in the 2nd century BC) stood Roman Spa, which was about 800 years later converted into a palace.

León Cathedral was completed in the 16th century. Today it is a wonderful building and since 1844 it is Spanish National Monument.

View Santa María de León Cathedral – one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe Spain in a larger map

Right at the entrance of the León Cathedral there are three decorated portals. Inside the cathedral there are more than 250 magnificent stained glass windows and a large circular window. Stained glass windows occupy more than 1800 m2.

In León Cathedral you also find cathedral’s museum. You can see there La Virgen Blanca, which is a Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary. Then the treasury of the 16th century and the cloister decorated with frescoes by Nicolás Frances. Cathedral Museum is in the summer (July-September) open from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30. On Saturday it is open from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Cathedral is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

But the museum is open all year round, however opening hours are changing, it is better to look at the official site of the León Cathedral. Basic admission fee is 4 €.

View Santa María de León Cathedral – one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe Spain in a larger map

The post Santa María de León Cathedral – one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe | Spain appeared first on Europe Explored.

View Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž in Czech republic in a larger map

The post Gardens and Castle at Kroměříž in Czech republic appeared first on Europe Explored.

Loket has 3 000 inhabitants and it is located in the Sokolov District in the Karlovy Vary region of the Czech Republic. Most people visit Loket as a day trip from Karlovy Vary, but it’s also a sleepy place to ease off the travel accelerator for a few days.

Loket means “elbow” in English. The town is named this due to the town centre being surrounded on three sides by the Ohře River, and the shape the river takes is similar to that of an elbow. The town centre itself features Loket Castle, a 12th century gothic castle. The town centre is a national monument and as such is preserved from modern developments.

There is an annual opera festival in an open air amphitheatre with the castle as a backdrop.

View 12th century gothic Castle Loket with historical village in Czech republic in a larger map

The post 12th century gothic Castle Loket with historical village in Czech republic appeared first on Europe Explored.