Bytča Manor house

Renaissance mansion in the city centre of Bytča is one of the most important and architecturally most impressive feudal settlements in Slovakia. The National Cultural Monument consists of a Renaissance palace so-called Wedding Palace as well as economic and residential buildings.

Originally there was a small castle built in the 13th century, belonging to the Bishopric of Nitra. In 1563 Francis Turzo took possession of the Bytča estate together with the castle. He built on the site of an old Gothic castle new castle - fortified complex multi-functional structures in the years 1571- 74. In the manor house Bytča, the court upon the helpers of Elizabeth Báthory - Cachtice lady, known for its sadistic rampage was held on 7 January 1611. The judiciary of this interesting criminal case sentenced the helpers to death.

The centre of the complex consists of four-wing building of the castle with an arcaded courtyard, central entrance tower and the round towers on the corners. In the main building of the castle there is situated State Regional Archive and the Považie Museum exhibit space is located in the Wedding Palace.