Bytča Castle, Renaissance manor house in Bytča, Slovakia
Bytča is a square manor house with circular corner towers and a central courtyard lined with arcades. A six-story tower rises in the northern wing and defines the building's outline.
Ferenc Thurzó built the structure between 1571 and 1574, transforming a Gothic water castle into a Renaissance manor house. This redesign reflected the nobility's shift from medieval to early modern times.
The arcaded courtyard displays paintings and portraits of nobles from different periods on its walls. These works reflect the family's connections and status over many centuries.
The State Regional Archives operates the manor house, and visitors must arrange tours in advance by phone. Plan ahead for reservations and check available visiting times before traveling.
A separate building from 1601 known as the Wedding Palace stands on the grounds and is the only structure of its kind in Slovakia. It originally served as a venue for celebrations of Paladin Thurzo's daughters.
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