Ostrý Vrch hill, southern Slovakia (source: Marcella Ballová)
For decades, locals and historians have speculated about a lost castle near Šurice, a village in southern Slovakia’s Lučenec district. Though no trace of it has been found, new discoveries suggest the area could hold secrets yet to be uncovered, according to the regional news website My Novohrad.
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Archaeological research is needed to determine whether the ruins of the so-called Čurgov Castle once stood atop Ostrý Vrch hill–or whether another structure occupied the site. Meanwhile, recent findings confirm that humans have lived in the region since prehistoric times.
A site of historical and geological interest
Nearby archaeological sites have already been documented, but the location is also notable for its geological features. A massive rock cliff, with a terraced platform at its centre, adds to the mystery of the area.
“Old maps of the historic Novohrad region mark the ruins of Čurgov Castle at the foot of a nearby hill called Monica, or Monosa, at an altitude of 584 metres,” said amateur mineralogist and archaeologist Ladislav Oravec.
Known for discovering large gemstones near Gemerský Jablonec, Oravec works with Slovak and Hungarian museums.
During a recent walk above Šurice, Oravec found ceramic shards that hinted at an ancient settlement. He consulted archaeologist Alexander Botoš, an expert who has conducted multiple studies in the region. Last year, Botoš and Oravec uncovered decorated ceramic fragments in a nearby field, linking the area to Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements.
Topographical data suggests fortifications once stood in the area.
“Whether it was a castle or something else, only archaeological research can tell us for sure,” said Botoš.
Possible mediaeval fort
Botoš noted that some ceramic fragments date back to the Bronze Age and Middle Ages.
“One piece likely comes from a bottle neck, decorated with a wavy motif,” he explained.
He believes a mediaeval fort or small castle may have stood on the site.
Oravec hopes to launch a formal archaeological study but acknowledges funding challenges. To support the effort, he has founded a civic association, Pazúrik.
“This site is part of the UNESCO Geopark Novohrad-Nógrád and deserves more attention,” he said.
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