Spis Castle

Massive ruins of Spis Castle are lying on the travertine hill of 634 metres above Spis settlement around the castle. The ruins are the largest in Slovakia as well as in Central Europe. Although the first historical notes about the castle come back to the year 1120, archaeological evidence proves a settlement on the castle hill already in the 4th century BC. It was a district centre castle in the 12th century. In the first half of the 13th century there were protective stone forts around the castle acropolis. The fortification saved the castle against Tartars attacks in 1241. In that time Romanesque castle and residential tower were built in the castle area. After the mid of the 13th century provost palace and Romanesque chapel (not existent today) were added. In the 14th century the castle was extended in central yard area with entrance gate and barbican. In the middle of the 15th century the large lower yard area was built. Its origin is connected with troops of Jan Jiskra from Brandyss who was in King Ladislav Posthumous service. Later the castle belonged to the Thurzas, later the Zapolskys and after 1636 the Csakys. They were the last owners of the castle till 1945. The castle was inhabited until 1703. It was badly damaged after the fire in 1780; it was never renovated and gradually declined.

Wide research, conservation and exposition building during the recent years meant new revival of this important sight and opening this complex up to public. In 1993 UNESCO took in Spis Castle together with surrounding sights (Spis Settlement around the Castle, Spis Chapter, the Church in Zehra) to the list of UNESCO Heritage and therefore became one of the most important sights of the world.

Great attractions for tourists are the demonstration of historical martial arts or falconry. The Castle was also the site where many film were made, e.g. Dragon Heart, etc.

The Castle is the largest fortified medieval complex in Central Europe. Its antipole was already in Roman period the centre of church administration - Spis Chapter characterised by grand double tower of St. Martin's Cathedral. These two centres of power and management in Spis are connected together by the buildings of the village under the castle, later the town with typical Renaissance and Baroque citizens' houses - today the town called Spisske Podhradie, i.e. settlement around the castle.

The village of Zehra is added to this historical sights complex. There is an early Medieval Holly Spirit Church with its precious wall paintings. Perfect intactness of historical complexes typical for medieval period together with surrounding natural setting of travertine territory create unique composition.