Veľký Kamenec Castle, Medieval castle ruins on a hill in Veľký Kamenec, Slovakia.
Veľký Kamenec Castle is a castle ruin spread across a hilltop above the village, consisting of three main sections arranged downward from the peak. The remaining stone walls, towers, and the distinctive pentagonal cannon tower create a fragmented outline of the fortress that once stood here.
The fortress was built in the 13th century following the Tartar invasion as a defensive stronghold in the region. It remained fortified for about 400 years until the imperial authorities ordered its destruction in the late 17th century.
The name comes from the large stones scattered across the hilltop, a landmark known to locals for generations. The layout of the three sections reveals how people organized their defensive spaces and daily life within the fortress.
Visitors can reach the ruins by walking uphill from the village center, following a path that becomes steeper as you approach the summit. Good footwear is recommended, and allow time to explore all three levels without rushing.
The pentagonal cannon tower rises about 7 meters (23 feet) high and contains three separate levels of firing openings built for military defense. This carefully designed structure shows how medieval engineers adapted their towers to make better use of artillery and gunpowder weapons.
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