Discovering of the History of Eastern and Southern Slovakia

This trip will lead us into the history of eastern and southern Slovakia. We shall visit the preserved castle Krasna Horka, which served as the Slavic bulwark against the Tatar invasion. We shall see the precious chateau Betliar and the most beautiful, well preserved ruin in Slovakia, the castle of Spish, which inspired many a foreign filmmaker. Of course, the historic centers of the ancient, royal cities of Kezmarok and Stara Lubovna, will not be missing. It is a trip for everyone who is interested in history and the territory of Slovakia played in it an important role.

• Itinerary
• Prices & Booking

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival to Slovakia, accommodation, informal reception.

Day 2:

We will visit the Krasna Horka castle, which is among the best preserved castles in Slovakia. The location of the Castle was very convenient, even after the Tartar invasions were over, because it served the purpose of protection of mines that were operating in the towns of Dobsina, Stitnik and Brzotin. Then we will go to see the Manor House Betliar that is located in a large park. The Manor House has maintained the architectonic features of a feudal home of 19th century. However, the history of this Manor House is longer than that. The Manor House of four towers, as it appears now, was rebuilt from an older Renaissance building.

Day 3:

We will visit the ruins of Muransky hrad (Muran Castle) located on the rock tower Ciganka (altitude 935 m). The castle was built in the 13th century and it is among the castles with highest elevation in Slovakia. The visitors get a view of the entire Muranska planina (Muran Plateau) National Park from there. There are many historical legends that talk about this castle.

Day 4:

We will visit Spissky hrad (Spis Castle) that is the largest medieval castle in the Central Europe. It is located on a travertine rock hill. The castle hill was populated as early as 5th century BC; it is the greatest archaeological and historical gem of the Central Europe and is under UNESCO protection. We will also go to see the Manor House in Markusovce – a typical example of an East Slovakian manor house. It was built in 1643 and ranks among the most valuable buildings of the historical complex that has been preserved in this locality.

Day 5:

We will visit Kezmarok, a town with a very rich history. There is a Late Gothic Castle built on the ruins of a church and monastery of St. Elizabeth, which used to be the center of an older settlement dated to 13th century. The most valuable part of the chateau is a chapel which got renovated in 1658.

Day 6:

We will visit Stara Lubovna, another historical center of East Slovakia. The town is towered by ruins of Lubovniansky zamok (Lubovna Castle) that was built in the 13th century, when Slovakia was part of the Hungarian Monarchy. It was used as a watchtower and frontier castle. It was owned by the Ruler Matus Cak. Another palace and a fortification were built as a late gothic annex to the castle in 14th – 15th centuries. Later, adjustments in renaissance style were made in the castle. Then, we will go to see the ruins of the Plavec Castle. The high walls of the Castle are visible from a long distance. It was built in 13th century and got several times reconstructed. It burnt down in 1856. Up to now, the castle walls have been preserved.

Day 7:

Farewell and departure from Slovakia.