In the time of feudalism, this was one of the most important castles in the entire Považie region. It is built on Cibulník hill (elevation 635 m) with steep slopes on several sides. This location made it virtually unconquerable. Measured by land area, it is the second largest castle in Slovakia, just after Spiš Castle. Its greatest period of prosperity was under the reign of Palatine Juraj Turzo, but the castle was abandoned and remained uninhabited from the late 17th century. Visitors are rewarded with magnificent views of the hill formations of Súľovské vrhy, Skalky, Malá Fatra, Kysucká vrchovina and Javorníky. It is accessible on foot (about a 45-minute walk) from the village of Lietavská Svinná (green marker) or Lietava (blue marker).
Did you know?
In September 2017, a ceremony was held at the newly reconstructed castle to mark the 450th birthday of the Palatine of Hungary and the great nobleman Juraj Turzo, governor of Lietava. The ceremony also served as the grand opening of a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the Lietava castle and to the archaeological artefacts and firearms found at the castle.
Contact:
Lietava castle, Lietava
Tel.: +421 905/515 330
E-mail: zdruzenie@hradlietava.sk, Web page: www.hradlietava.sk
