Branč Castle, Renaissance castle ruins at Podbranč, Slovakia
Branč Castle are the remains of a fortification standing on a hilltop with wide views across the surrounding landscape. The walls and towers show how the structure grew through different construction phases over centuries.
The fortress was built in the mid-13th century to protect trade routes linking Moravia with passes through the mountain range to the east. A major fire destroyed much of the complex several centuries later.
Local communities gather at the ruins to hold traditional ceremonies that connect present-day residents with their heritage. The place remains woven into how people here understand their past.
Access to the ruins opens during the warmer months and starts with parking in a nearby village. From there, a short walking path takes you up to the site.
The different layers of stonework reveal how military technology and building needs changed across the centuries. This layering helps experts understand how people constantly adapted their defensive structures to new threats.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
