Zborov Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Bardejov District, Slovakia.
Zborov Castle is a fortress ruin standing on a hilltop with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements mixed throughout its preserved walls and defensive structures. The remains show how construction and rebuilding continued over several centuries.
The fortress was founded around 1270 by Otto Biberstein to protect trade routes between the Kingdom of Hungary and Poland. In 1684, imperial forces destroyed it, ending its role as a military stronghold.
Locals call this fortress Makovica, and it holds deep meaning in Slovak cultural heritage as a symbol of the region's past. The setting on the hilltop continues to connect people with the landscape and history of their area.
A marked walking path leads from Zborov village to the fortress, with the climb taking around 30 minutes and requiring moderate fitness. The path is easier to navigate during warmer months, and sturdy footwear is helpful.
A local legend claims that stones moved on their own to create the fortress during its construction. This tale reveals how the community passed down explanations for the site's mysterious origins.
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