Spiš Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Zehra, Slovakia
The stone fortress stands on a travertine hill at 610 meters elevation, covering an area of 3.9 hectares with multiple courtyards and towers.
The castle construction began in 1120 as a frontier fort at the northern boundary of the Hungarian state, later becoming the center of Szepes County.
The castle structure displays the evolution of medieval architecture through its Romanesque palace, Gothic chapel, and Renaissance modifications across different construction periods.
The castle interior remains closed from November through April, while guided tours and audio guides in multiple languages are available during the opening season.
The 1780 castle fire, reportedly caused by knights making schnapps, led to its current state as the largest medieval castle complex in Central Europe.
Location: Žehra
Inception: 12 century
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture, Renaissance architecture, Gothic architecture
Elevation above the sea: 610 m
Part of: Levoča, Spiš Castle and the associated cultural monuments, Slovenské národné múzeum – Spišské múzeum v Levoči
Website: https://spisskyhrad.com/english/spis-castle
GPS coordinates: 49.00056,20.76833
Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:42
Medieval castles across Europe showcase architecture from past centuries. The complexes present towers, fortification walls and underground passages. From mountain peaks to islands, these structures provide insights into historical defense systems and princely residences.
These fortresses represent European military architecture from medieval to Renaissance periods. From the Baltic to the Black Sea, castles and strongholds stand on mountain peaks, river banks, and strategic heights. The structures display various defense techniques and regional building traditions.
Slovakia features a variety of natural and cultural sites, from medieval castles to the Tatra Mountains. The country is home to historic cities such as Bratislava and Košice, national parks with caves and waterfalls, as well as Gothic religious monuments. The castles of Spiš, Bojnice, and Orava illustrate military and noble architecture. The national parks of Slovak Paradise and Mala Fatra offer mountainous landscapes with rock formations. Traditions are preserved in museums like the one in Liptov, while contemporary art is displayed at the Danubiana Meulensteen.
Levoča, Spiš Castle and the associated cultural monuments
138 m
Spišský hradný vrch
17 m
Synagogue in Spišské Podhradie
1 km
Meštiansky dom
885 m
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
885 m
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Spišský hrad, veža bránová II.
404 m
Mariánsky stĺp, socha
1.1 km
Synagóga
1 km
Spišský hrad, palác hradný I.
70 m
Spišský hrad, cisterna
24 m
Stará radnica
1.1 km
Spišský hrad, kaplnka hradná
36 m
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Ľudový dom
885 m
Združena, v. d.
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Meštiansky dom
1.1 km
Mlyn s funkčným zariadením
1 kmReviews
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