Slanec Castle ruins in eastern Slovakia. (source: TASR)
A half-hour drive from Košice reveals the Slanské vrchy hills, where the ruins of Slanec Castle rise above the landscape. The castle’s preserved round tower, Nebojsa, is set to become a tourist viewpoint.
The castle, first mentioned in historical records at the end of the 13th century, is located in a nature reserve with the fourth level of protection. The hiking trail begins in the village that shares the castle’s name, winding through an ancient oak-beech alley, reports the Korzár website.
During the Second World War, the Slanské vrchy region saw heavy fighting, leading to the destruction or looting of many landmarks. Along with the castle, a classicist mansion beneath the castle hill fell into disrepair and was not preserved.
The Zachráňme hrad Slanec (Let’s Save Slanec Castle) civic association has taken on the task of preserving the ruins. Their goal is to restore the historical connection between Slanec Castle and Füzér Castle in Hungary. The glassworks in the village of Slanská Huta, Lake Izra, and surviving military bunkers are among the historical links that connect the two castles.
Cycling to Slanec Castle
The ascent to Slanec Castle begins in the heart of Slanec village, where a 15-minute trek along the red hiking trail awaits. The path winds through dense forest, becoming rocky as you near the summit. Midway, a wooden shelter offers a welcome rest and a panoramic view of the village and its surroundings.
The Slanské vrchy hills are crisscrossed with cycling routes, including one that begins on a dirt road behind the cemetery in the village of Ždaňa. This route takes you through the forest, where you can connect to the red trail, guiding you directly to the castle’s storied heights.
The round trip to the castle from Ždaňa takes approximately four hours.
Help from climbers
A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to the Slovakia travel guide. (source: Spectacular Slovakia)
The ongoing reconstruction of the castle has yielded significant archaeological discoveries. While restoring the damp walls of the northwestern bastion, workers uncovered the perimeter fortifications, offering a glimpse into the castle’s original structure. Additionally, a rare coin dating from 1251 to 1276 was found.
“These walls were remarkably well-preserved, giving us a clear idea of how that part of the castle looked in its original state,” said Jozef Bela, the mayor of Slanec.
The coin is a relic from the era when the castle was first constructed.
The tower, slated to become a future lookout point for tourists, remains closed to the public. Plans include constructing a staircase to the third floor, completing handrails on the original stairs, and restoring the tower’s facade.
“We need to address the missing cavities in the facade,” the mayor said, noting that the work, situated at a height of 20 metres, will likely require the assistance of climbers.
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