Strečno Castle

Strečno stands on a rock where the Váh forces through a gorge between the Malá Fatra and the Lúčanská Fatra, a position that let it control both the river traffic and the road. Founded in the fourteenth century, it fell into ruin and was substantially restored from the 1970s, so it is one of the more complete castles to visit. A stone sarcophagus in the chapel holds Žofia Bosniaková, whose remains were preserved for centuries.

Background

The castle rises on a 103 metres calcite cliff, 12 km east of Žilina, above the village of Strečno and the E50 road, and with the Old Castle, Starhrad, it marks the landscape of the Upper Váh. The stone castle is first recorded in 1316, and a charter of 1358 mentions a toll station for crossing the Váh below it. Its oldest part, the small castle, covered approximately 400 m2, with a courtyard, a water cistern, a prism-shaped watch tower and a small residence. In the early 15th century, under Barbara of Cilli, the northern palace, the chapel and an 88 meters deep well were added. Demolition was ordered in 1698, and reconstruction began in 1974.

Source: Wikipedia, "Strečno Castle"

What to look for

• The gorge position - the rock above the point where the Vah cuts through.
• The restored ranges - rebuilt palaces and towers with museum displays.
• The chapel tomb - the sarcophagus of Zofia Bosniakova.
• The Vah view - the river and the road threading the gorge below.

When to go

April to October is the main season; the castle closes in winter. Summer brings falconry displays and events. Weekends are busy.

Things to know

A great deal of what stands is 1970s reconstruction rather than surviving fabric. The castle closes entirely for the winter. The climb up from the car park is steep.

Nearby

Zilina is west, and the Mala Fatra rises north.

Key facts