Považský hrad, Medieval castle ruins in Považská Bystrica, Slovakia.
Považský hrad is a castle ruin set on a steep cliff 497 meters above sea level near Považská Bystrica. It overlooks the Váh River valley with its remaining stone walls and defensive structures still visible from the surrounding area.
The fortress was built in the 12th century as a defensive stronghold and first appeared in written records in 1316. It served as a crucial point on regional trading routes during the Middle Ages.
The ruins display medieval building techniques through defensive towers and earthwork structures that shaped how people fortified their settlements. Visitors can observe how these construction methods reflected the needs of the time.
A clearly marked hiking path of about 700 meters connects the village of Považské Podhradie to the ruins at the top. Parking is available near the local church in the village below.
Archaeological digs at the site uncovered coins from the first century BC. These discoveries reveal that people used this location long before the fortress was constructed.
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