Banská Bystrica Castle, Medieval castle complex in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.
Banská Bystrica Castle is a medieval fortress complex featuring three preserved towers, a Gothic church, and a residential building within its fortified walls. The barbican section has been renovated and now contains administrative offices and a café for visitors to the site.
The first fortifications were built in the 1440s during conflicts over the Hungarian crown following the death of Albrecht Habsburg in 1439. The structure was constructed during this period to defend the region and assert the authority of local rulers.
The Church of the Assumption contains a late Gothic winged altar from the 15th century and a metal baptistry dated 1475 with ornate interior decoration. These religious artworks demonstrate how this place served as a spiritual center for the surrounding community.
The site is easy to access and the renovated sections are open to visitors of all abilities. You can explore the walls at your own pace and use the café to rest before continuing your tour of the complex.
The entrance tower contains three large bells, with the biggest weighing 9900 kilograms and showcasing medieval engineering skill. These impressive bells demonstrate the craftsmanship that went into the construction of this fortified site.
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