One the most beautiful and largest castles in Slovakia, in the northern Orava region, Orava Castle is situated on a high rock above Orava river.
In the forgotten, rough lands of Orava, on the way to Poland, along the Orava river, you will find a rocky formation, a steep rocky cliff vertically erected to the skies. Oravsky Podzamok village (translated lightly as “village under the castle”) is the starting point to the mighty Orava Castle.
As it usually goes with Slovak castles, it was built in the place of former fortified fortress. That was right after the Tartar raids, in the mid 13th century. Orava Castle was owned by many aristocrats, county heads and noblemen, protecting important road to Poland and serving as an administrative and military centre for the region.
After Francis Thurzo got the castle in pledge in 1556, he reconstructed it extensively, adding supporting walls to statically disturbed parts, annexing a palace and a new chapel. His son continued with works by building a big bastion with a tunnel, gatehouse and gate tower, according to the principals of then modern fortification theories. After his death, to this day, his wife Elizabeth Czobor supervises the castle. At night she walks through castle halls and courtyards with a lantern in her hand.
In 1800 the castle burnt out after several days and nights of fire. Fortunately, Francis Zichy had it repaired and reconstructed almost immediately. Shortly after, one of first museums in Slovakia was established here.
Exhibitions
Journey through the castle will take you hundreds of years aback. Castle buildings, furnished rooms, large courtyards, torture rooms and weapon collections are just a part of one interesting historical exhibition.
Visit of the Orava Castle culminates in the highest and oldest parts – the Citadel. Archeological exposition documents history of the oldest settlements of Orava.
In the middle castle, one can enjoy a natural history exhibition showing fauna and flora of Rohace mountains (one of the most breathtaking parts of Western Tatras).
Do not forget to buy an extra ticket to see the magnificent chapel. It is well worth it!
Many of scenes from the famous vampire horror film Nosferatu (1922) were shot in Orava Castle. Other scenes also depict Slovakia’s High Tatras and Vah River.
How to get there
- By railway from Kralovany, station Oravsky Podzamok.
- By car from Dolny Kubin towards Poland.
Leave your car on the parking lot in Oravsky Podzamok. You will see immediately how to get to the first castle’s gate. The place is very lively.
You cannot photograph inside the castle unless you buy permission for a small extra cost.
Night visit is recommended! (during summer season)
