Ľupča Castle
In the middle of the 13th century, King Belo IV of Hungary had Lupčany Castle built after the Tatars invaded. The castle is located on the hill of the last hills of the Low Tatras in Slovenská Ľupča. It had mainly a guarding role over the important medieval trade route Via magna, which led under the foot of the castle.
The castle has been continuously inhabited since its construction. It consists of an upper castle (from the 13th century in Gothic style) and a lower castle (Renaissance period in the 16th century). In its greatest glory, its courtyards welcomed important personalities, Hungarian rulers such as Charles Robert of Anjou and his son Louis the Great. In 1443, an earthquake struck Hungary, when the castle was destroyed and underwent major reconstruction and completion. After the attack of Francis II. Rákóczi in 1703, the castle fell into the hands of the rebels and the Duke of Transylvania gave it to his general Count Nicholas Bercsényi for his merits. Later the castle housed a school and an orphanage until the 20th century. During World War II it was used for the advance of troops, probably for the internment of prisoners. After the war, it frequently changed occupancy: emigrants, an apprenticeship and, after modifications to the interior of the grounds, it housed a charity and a seminary for priests. Nowadays, Ľupča Castle occupies an exceptional position as a cultural and historical monument in the region.
More information about the castle and opening hours at www.hradlupca.sk
How to reach us?
Information
Opening hours: | www.hradlupca.sk |
Parking: | Pod Zámkom street (small parking lot directly under the castle, it is recommended to leave the car below) |