Spiš Castle
Spišský hrad
One of the largest castle ruins in Central Europe, perched on a limestone hill. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is hugely impressive from afar.
Spiš Castle was founded in the 12th century and covers about 4 hectares. In 1993 it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site together with the Spišská Kapitula bishop’s town and the Church of the Holy Spirit in Žehra. It fell into ruin after a fire in 1780. Today the upper castle towers and some palace rooms have been restored, and the interior houses displays of medieval weapons and torture instruments. From the village of Spišské Podhradie below, a trail climbs about 30 minutes to the castle, or you can drive to the parking lot below it. The summit is windy, and on clear days you can see the High Tatras in the distance. Spišská Kapitula sits on the hill opposite and can be visited on the way.
Opening hours
About 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (April–October; check website for winter hours)
Nearby sights
- Levoča
- Kežmarok Castle
- Wooden Articular Church in Kežmarok
- Slovak Paradise National Park
- Spišská Sobota
- AquaCity Poprad
- Dobšinská Ice Cave
- Belianska Cave