The Betliar Castle, built in the 15th century, is considered one of the most visited castles in Slovakia. This castle is also a real hunting museum, reflecting the tastes and hobbies of its owners, the Andrássy family.
Since the year of 1985, the castle of Betlíär and the surrounding park belong to the national cultural monuments of Slovakia.
The original structure looked little like a residential, rather it was a two-story citadel with loopholes instead of windows. But three centuries after the construction, Betliar became the property of Andrassy's family. The aristocratic family immediately began to rebuild the castle and turned it into a hunting palace.
It is interesting that during the Second World War, Betliar was completely unharmed, despite the occupation. All the exhibits have been preserved completely.
Also there is a lot of old weapons, brought by owners from India, Asia, Africa. There is a collection of ceramic weapons - it turns out that such a fragile material, designed primarily for the manufacture of vases, can be dangerous. In Betliyar you can see perfectly preserved furniture, historical engravings and manuscripts from the 12th century are of interest. The library of the castle has more than 20 thousand publications, many of which are considered very rare.
The whole collection has over 25 thousand different subjects. The museum has 50 exhibition halls, the total area of which exceeds 2 thousand square meters. m
The castle park also deserves attention. A huge area of 81 hectares is decorated in English style: neat paths, flower beds, many rare and even exotic plant species for Eastern Europe. Part of the park is a virgin yew wood. The largest magnolia in Europe grows in the park
Practical Information
For visitors, the Betliyar Castle is open from mid-March to mid-October. Works in different months Betliar in different ways. The day off is Monday.
The entrance to the castle is paid. For pensioners and students (the maximum age in which you can show a student card is 26 years), the cost is 2, 5 EUR, for the rest - 4, 5 EUR. Preschool children and people with disabilities are allowed on the territory for free. Also, the head of a large group of tourists can pass without buying a ticket.
Betliyar Castle is located in the vicinity of the town of Rozhnyava. You can reach the castle by car.
Address: Slovakia, 049 21 Betliar, Lesna, 6.
All prices are for September 2014