Strechnyanskiy Grad is another high-rise castle in Slovakia. It's amazing how such a powerful structure stood on the edge of a limestone cliff on the bank of the Bar River near the town of Strechno.
Unfortunately, Strechnyanskiy Grad has not survived to the present day. All that is left of it is picturesque ruins. But the remaining remains are enough to understand the former power of the destroyed structure.
The Strechnyanskiy Grad was built in the late 13th and early 14th centuries by the aristocrat Matush Chak, who was considered the king of the western part of Slovakia. For three centuries, the owners of the castle had several, and by the end of the 17th century the fortress had perished.
Do not be frightened by the status of "destroyed" - a serious reconstruction is under way on the territory of the castle. At the moment, partially restored the medieval citadel (in place of the old masonry created new walls, glazed stained-glass windows, covered the roof). Plus you can see the reconstructed main gate, the main tower, the South and North Palace. Now the restoration of another tower and another palace continues, although it is still very far from its former grandeur.
The excavation and reconstruction works on the territory provide rich material for visitors who are fond of history. Finds dug from the earth are shown in the expositions of the Povazh Museum. His branch works at the castle.
There is one unusual story associated with the castle. The wife of one of the owners of the building named Sofia died at the age of 35, she was buried, and four decades later, her grave was accidentally torn, and the body was found untouched by time and biological processes. A woman was considered a saint by many, her body was transported to the church. There, Sofia lay for years, until in 2009 some violent man did not burn her out of religious considerations.
Practical information
Entrance to the fortress is free.
From April to September, you can get to the castle from 9:00 to 18:00, but you need to arrive no later than 45 minutes before closing. In October, the work of the fortress is reduced by 2 hours. In November and March the castle is open only in good weather and only on Sundays from 11:00 to 16:00. And in the winter months to get to Strechnyanskiy Grad can only by prior arrangement, it is necessary that the group of tourists was not less than 20 people.
There is a castle in the town of Strechno, not far from Zilina. To get to Strechno, take the train, from the railway station you need to cross the bridge over the river Bar. Or on the other bank you can cross the ferry.
Address: 013 24 Strecno, Strecno.