BETLIAR Chateau

This chateau is a dominant object of Betliar village, which is located 10 kilometres on the North of the district town of Roznava.

History of the chateau is connected with two important yeoman and noble families - the Bebeks and the Andrassys. The Bebeks built the core of the chateau in the 15th century. Later, in the beginning of the 18th century it became one of many noble residences of Andrassy family and it stayed that way until 1945. The chateau was rebuilt several times during its existence. In the end of the 19th century there was a large Classicist reconstruction. It got today's appearance at the end of the 19th century at Emanuel Andrassy time. Together with his son Geza they luxuriously furnished it and collected many pieces of art and craft in here. Today these works form valuable art collection of the 19th century and Vienna Classicist furniture of the 18th century. Historical library contains more than 15000 volumes especially of foreign literature of theology, history, state science and geography fields. A collection of guns, hunting trophies and exotic souvenirs from all around the world, especially Asia and Africa are very valuable, there are pieces from the Middle Ages up to the 19th century.

A natural park surrounding the chateau belongs to the most valuable and preserved objects of its kind in Slovakia. It lies on the area of 80 hectares. The park varied with foreign trees and bushes was distilled into surrounded nature. It changes smoothly into forest and animal park. Romantic buildings and sculptures also make up today's impressive atmosphere of the park. In 1985 the park and the chateau were included into the list of Slovak national heritage sites and the list of outstanding historical gardens in the world.

Betliar Castle rightly belongs to the treasures of Slovak culture heritage. In 1988 - 1994 it was completely renovated. The castle was given the award Europa Nostra.