Castle Viglas, Medieval castle in District of Detva, Slovakia
Castle Viglas is a Gothic fortress standing on a low ridge of Korčina hill east of Zvolen near the Slatina river. The structure overlooks the surrounding valley and today operates as a congress hotel offering 55 rooms, two restaurants, and a wellness center with a swimming pool, saunas, and massage services.
The castle was built in the 13th century as a Gothic structure and later became a gathering place for the Order of the Dragon, founded by King Sigismund and his wife Barbara. The order made the fortress a significant assembly point for its members across Central Europe.
Dragon symbols on crosses appear throughout the castle walls, representing the emblem of the Order of the Dragon that once gathered here. These images are embedded in the building's structure and remind visitors of the order's historical presence.
Visitors should be aware that the castle is now an operating hotel and may not be fully accessible to the public, so it is wise to check in advance about visit options. The site sits on a hillside, so expect some slope when approaching the structure.
In earlier times, prison guards forced into shepherding fled to a mountain hut below the castle and never returned to their duties. This story recalls the harsh conditions and hopes for escape that surrounded the place.
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