Add review about Sveta Anton Castle

Built in the 15th century, the castle of Sveta Anton (or St. Anthony) is on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985. This is one of the most popular castles in Slovakia, it is always included in tourist routes.

Initially, the noble family of Kohari built Sveta Anton in the Gothic style. But in 1744 the building was rebuilt and acquired expressive features of baroque.

The appearance of Sveta Anton is classic and even strict. This is a two-story mansion with large windows. The building is white, and the massive roof is painted dark. Practically there are no architectural excesses, small details.

But asceticism and elegant simplicity distinguish Sveta Anton only from the outside, from the inside it is a richly decorated building, with preserved furniture and other elements. The castle has two wings, and above the inhalation there is the tower of Sithna, from which a view of the neighborhood opens. In the courtyard of the park there is a fountain and there are forged benches.

The arithmetic of Sveta Anton is interesting. The architects built it, referring to the calendar year. Therefore, the castle has four gates - a symbol of four seasons of the year, 12 pipes - as 12 months, 52 rooms - as 52 weeks and 365 windows for the number of days in a year. But the original design is not read right away - after all, Sveta Anton has been rebuilt many times.

Bulgarian king Ferdinand Coburg was the last owner of Sveta Anton (now the building belongs to the government of Slovakia). The king was fond of science, he gathered several curious collections during his lifetime. All this can now be seen in Sveta Anton.

Austerity and refined simplicity are distinguished by Sveta Anton only from the outside.
Visit to the castle of Sveta Anton

The museum in the castle is dedicated to natural sciences and hunting. Among the exhibits are weapons, axes and saws for logging, various equipment, stuffed animals, skins and horns of animals, other hunting things. There is even a library with a selection of books about hunting. But come to Sveta Anton first of all, not for the sake of hunting trophies. The castle has preserved a lot of gilded furniture, interesting chandeliers, on the walls hang paintings of the 18-19 centuries.

The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park with two lakes, waterfalls, pavilions and even artificial caves. In the park there are sculptures of wooden animals. In the park there is also a chapel of St. Hubert, who is considered the patron saint of hunters. There are few trees there. One was particularly famous - a century-old sequoia was planted by King Philip Coburg in honor of the birth of his son. But at the end of the 20th century lightning struck the tree, and there was nothing left of the huge sequoia. Now several such trees grow in the park, but their growth and age are still small.

Practical information

In Sveta Anton there are always events: various kinds of seminars, concerts, exhibitions.

The entrance to the castle is paid, except for children under 6 years and people with disabilities. Adult ticket costs 6 EUR, children's ticket is twice cheaper.

In different months Sveta Anton works differently. But in fact, all the year round the castle can be reached from 8:30 to 15:00, although in summer the visit hours are prolonged.

If you want to try falconry, go to Sveta Anton for the whole day. Local experts will arrange for you a real show, where the birds always win in the bloody battle of species. Of course, falconry is paid separately. The cost is negotiated on the spot.

Buses go from Banska Stiavnica to Sveta Anton. If you go on a rented car, look at the highway number 51. It's hard not to notice the castle from the road, there is also a pointer to how to turn off the highway to the building.

Address: Slovakia, 969 72 Svaty Anton, Svaty Anton, 575.


All prices are for September 2014