Košeca Castle

Košeca Castle is a medieval castle ruin located on elevated ground in the village of Košecké Podhradie. Only scattered stone foundations and low wall sections survive today, offering glimpses of the fortification's former structure.

The fortress was first documented in 1272 when knight Smaragdus, possibly a Templar, founded the structure. It was destroyed in the early 17th century following involvement in a failed conspiracy attempt.

The ruins reflect how medieval fortifications were built to protect the surrounding settlements and villages in this region. The remaining stones still show the importance this defensive structure once held for local communities.

To visit the site, take a bus to Košecké Podhradie village and follow marked hiking trails to reach the ruins. The location is accessible year-round with a short walk from the village, making it a straightforward afternoon visit.

The site was unexpectedly caught up in a conspiracy involving a kidnapping plot against the Holy Roman Emperor, leading to its destruction by imperial forces. This dramatic event reveals how a modest fortress became entangled in high-stakes political affairs of the era.