Orava Castle, Medieval castle in Oravský Podzámok, Slovakia
Orava Castle sits on a limestone cliff roughly 112 meters above the Orava River, divided into three sections built at different elevation levels. The complex features defensive walls, towers, a chapel, and interior rooms that visitors can explore.
Hungarian King Béla IV ordered the fortress built in the 13th century to protect the northern trade route and the kingdom's borders. Over the centuries, the structure was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded to meet changing needs.
The castle houses a museum displaying regional weapons, furniture, and ethnographic objects that reflect how people lived in this area over centuries. These collections offer glimpses into the daily traditions and crafts of local communities.
The steep climb to the castle requires sturdy footwear, as the pathways can be uneven and demanding. Guided tours are regularly offered, though it is wise to check seasonal opening times before visiting.
The location appeared in the German silent film Nosferatu from 1922, serving as the residence of Count Orlok. This connection to early cinema makes it of particular interest to fans of classic horror film.
Location: Oravský Podzámok
Inception: 1241
Architectural style: Romanesque architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Operator: Oravské múzeum P.O. Hviezdoslava
Address: Oravský Podzámok 1, 027 41 Oravský Podzámok
Opening Hours: January 01-March 31 10:00-15:00; April off; May 1-June 30 08:30-17:00; July 01-August 31 08:30-18:00; September 08:30-17:00; October 08:30-16:00; November 01-December 23 10:00-15:00; December 24-31 off
Website: https://oravskemuzeum.sk/en/exhibition/orava-castle
GPS coordinates: 49.26167,19.35806
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
Slovakia offers a variety of natural and cultural sites, from medieval castles to the peaks of the Tatra Mountains. The country features historic cities such as Bratislava and Košice, national parks with caves and waterfalls, and Gothic religious monuments. The castles of Spiš, Bojnice, and Orava illustrate the military and noble architecture of past centuries. The Slovak Paradise and Mala Fatra national parks present mountainous landscapes with distinctive rock formations. Traditions are preserved in museums such as the Liptov Museum, while contemporary art is exhibited at the Danubiana Meulensteen.
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