Likava Castle Ruins and Museum

The ruins of the Likava Castle tower above the village Likavka near the town of Ruzomberok in the Liptov Region. The first written reference comes from the first half of the 14th century, but it is likely that it was built back in 12th to 13th century.

The castle originally served to guard the trade route from the region of the river Váh (Považie) to Orava continuing to Poland. The castle consists only of walls built on the highest point of the rock. Last period of the expansion of the castle was during the reign Thokoly when the castle was rebuilt and luxuriously furnished. In 1670 it was conquered by Emperor Leopold. In 1685 the castle was transformed in county prison, where was, according to legend, imprisoned also Juraj Janosik. The last owner of the castle, Francis Rakoczi, conquered the castle in 1703 from the imperial army. The castle was pulled down in 1707 and since then stands in ruins.

At present, the Likava Castle is in administration of Liptov Museum. In Hunyady bastion there is a permanent exhibition of the history of the castle. Old castle road from the north leads to the castle wall. You can see the lower and upper castle or Hunyady tower. From the castle hill you can have beautiful views of the surrounding panorama of Liptov and Choc Mountains.