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THESE RUINS of Levice castle from the 1920s are what remains of the once-robust stronghold that dates back to around 1318.
While defending against Turkish invasion, Levice was one of the region's most important strategic points in the mission to protect the wealthy mining towns of what is now central Slovakia. In 1635, an Italian fortification system consisting of a moat and a drawbridge in the main gate was built around the castle.
Despite its unmatched defensive strength, Levice capitulated in 1663 and became the seat of the Turkish region. The town's sad defeat highlighted in particular the inability of Austrian-Hungarian armies to act in coordination.
Prepared by Branislav Chovan
