Turňa Castle, Medieval castle ruins on limestone hill near Turňa nad Bodvou, Slovakia.
Turňa Castle is the remains of a medieval fortress that stands on a limestone hill above Turňa nad Bodvou. The ruins feature defensive walls surrounding a long courtyard where you can still see fragments of buildings where people once lived.
The fortress was founded between 1271 and 1290 and served as a regional administrative center for the area. Over the centuries it underwent changes that show how fortification methods evolved from the 13th through the 16th century.
The ruins show how people used the steep terrain to build a fortress that watched over the surrounding valley. You can still see how the walls followed the natural rock formations to create different defensive sections.
Visitors reach the castle by following blue trail markers from Turňa train station, with the walk taking about 45 minutes uphill. The ground is steep and rocky, so proper footwear is important, and the path can become slippery after rain.
The limestone slopes surrounding the fortress are home to a rare plant species that grows only in this location. This specialized vegetation makes the site of particular interest to nature enthusiasts.
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