Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

SLOVAKIA 321

Kruchová Tower,

dating from the first half

of the 12th century, was

used as a residence and

observation point.. Museum

A section of the chapel has

been given over to a small

exhibition devoted to the

archaeology and history of Spiš

Castle, and to a collection of

historic arms and armour.

Tournaments

During summer, colourful

historical pageants and tour-

naments are held in the

castle courtyards, featuring

men dressed as knights.

. Upper Castle
Situated at the highest point
on the hill, the Upper Castle,
with its Romanesque
palace and tower, was
built in the 14th
century. Burnt
down in 1780, it
was not rebuilt.
. Castle Chapel
Six wooden statues
of saints adorn
the inte rior of the
15th-century
Gothic chapel of
the Zápolya
family. The chapel
was completely
renovated in 2003.

Walls
The Zápolya family,
who owned the castle
in the 15th and 16th
centuries, had the
defensive walls rebuilt,
reinforced and equipped
with new gun positions.

VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

405 km (252 miles) NE of

Bratislava. Tel (053) 454 1336.

£ @ from Spišské Podhradie.

# mid-Mar–Apr: 9am–5pm

daily; May–Sep: 9am–7pm daily;

Oct: 10am–4:30pm daily. 8

http://www.spisskyhrad.sk

STAR SIGHTS

. Castle Chapel
. Upper Castle
. Museum