Likava, Gothic castle ruin in Likavka, Slovakia
Likava is a Gothic castle ruin near Likavka whose stone walls stand on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Vah River valley. The remains sit at roughly 630 meters elevation and are surrounded by the natural landscape.
The fortress was built around 1400 as a royal guardian castle to protect important trade routes between Hungary and Poland through the Vah River valley. It served a key role in securing these strategic connections.
The fortress displays Gothic features typical of medieval construction, with a chapel and residential sections arranged in a distinctive layout. You can observe these architectural elements directly when exploring the grounds.
The ruins are most easily accessible during summer months when guided tours are available. Parking facilities can be found near the Likavka bus stop.
The site contained some of the earliest glass windows in Slovakia, made by local glassworks during medieval times. These windows show the technical skills and craft traditions that existed in the region back then.
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