Pustý hrad, Medieval castle ruins in Sklené Teplice, Slovakia.
Pustý hrad is a castle ruin standing at 629 meters above sea level near Sklené Teplice, featuring preserved defensive walls, a tower base, and remains of residential structures. The layout reveals how defensive and living spaces were organized within a single fortified site.
The fortress was built in the 13th century to guard the road linking Hron Valley with the mining town of Banská Štiavnica. Over time, control passed between Hungarian noble families and church authorities managing the site.
The ruins reveal how medieval people used this hilltop location to monitor important trade routes passing through the valleys below. For the communities living nearby, the fortress served as a symbol of power and protection.
Visitors can reach the site via marked hiking trails starting from Sklené Teplice, which are freely accessible year-round. The path climbs uphill, so wearing sturdy footwear and allowing time for the ascent is advisable.
The castle courtyard still displays a rainwater collection system carved directly into the bedrock, evidence of advanced medieval water technology. This system shows how residents adapted to manage water in a dry mountain setting.
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