Old Castle, Medieval castle in Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
The Old Castle sits atop a hill and combines a Gothic hall church with defensive towers at four corners and surrounding walls that protect the core structure. The grounds also include a bell tower and a Romanesque charnel house.
The site began as a Romanesque basilica in the 13th century and was transformed into a fortified castle during the 14th century to defend against external threats. This transformation reflects the region's growing importance as a mining center.
The castle houses the Slovak Mining Museum, displaying archaeological finds, historical artifacts, and handcrafted clay pipes from the region. These collections show how mining heritage shaped local identity over centuries.
Visitors can explore the castle through marked paths leading to the towers and walls, with the best views from the highest points. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the ascent is steep and involves uneven surfaces.
The castle emerged from the merger of two medieval settlements, Štiavnica and Baňa, evident in the simultaneous presence of two mining chamber administrators between 1377 and 1382. This dual administration was a rarely seen feature in medieval castle complexes during that period.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
