Uhrovec Castle
If you head to the quiet, wooded heart of the Strážovské vrchy Mountains, you will be surprised by the Uhrovec watchtower castle.
Uhrovec Castle isn’t located on the edge of the trail or by the road – you have to hike all the way there. But the reward is all the greater for it.
A Castle Hidden in the Mountains
Built in the second half of the 13th century, Uhrovec Castle was intended as a refuge to protect the population in times of danger. Its location in the difficult terrain of the Strážovské vrchy Mountains was a strategic advantage. Thanks to this, it never became a centre of combat and also avoided Turkish raids.
As it stood apart from major conflicts, many nobles stored their valuables, documents and property here. Even today, Uhrovec stands as proof that the best defence is sometimes inconspicuousness.
From Matúš Čák to royal families, many have sought refuge here.
The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1295. It is thought to have been constructed by Báš, the governor of Trenčín. Shortly thereafter, Uhrovec fell into the hands of Matúš Čák of Trenčín, one of the most powerful men of his time, who acquired the castle in exchange for properties in Tekov.
Following his death, the castle passed into royal ownership and was successively occupied by Charles Robert, Sigismund of Luxembourg, Albert of Habsburg and Ctibor of Ctiborice. In the following centuries, the castle was owned by several prominent noble families in turn—the Pongrács, the Danffys and the Zays.
The Zays owned Uhrovec for the longest time. However, they gradually moved to a more comfortable manor house in the village of Uhrovec, causing the castle to lose its original function.
Renovations, a prison and a fire
In the 16th century, the castle underwent extensive renovations, particularly under the direction of Peter Doktor of Zylaga. During this period, the Lower Castle, new fortifications, cisterns and palaces were built. Uhrovec became one of the most architecturally significant castles in Slovakia — a fact that remains evident to this day.
Later, it also served as a prison, but by the 18th century, its importance had declined. The turning point came in 1848, when the castle was set on fire. From then on, it began to fall into disrepair and was left in ruins.
Despite this, many unique features have been preserved, including a late Romanesque chapel, towers, fireplaces, toilets and cisterns, which are not found in many other castles.
A castle saved by volunteers
Uhrovec was given a new lease of life in 2015 with the establishment of the Uhrovec Castle Civic Association. Volunteers and experts set out to systematically rescue and restore this national cultural monument.
The association functions as an information, organisational and community centre. As well as restoring the castle walls, the association is dedicated to research, education, organising events, and raising awareness about the castle’s history. Thanks to the association, Uhrovec is a place where history is not only admired, but also created.
Various events take place at the castle throughout the year, and with the castle warden’s permission, you can even spend the night there under the stars within the castle walls with your own sleeping bag.
Small discoveries that are well worth seeing!
When visiting Uhrovec, pay attention to the details, such as the preserved architectural elements, cisterns, fireplaces and medieval latrines. Another point of interest is the small castle cave, which is located on the opposite side of the castle from the main entrance. It is open to the public, but the path to it is not secured, so caution is advised.
How to get here:
The fastest and most popular route starts in Uhrovské Podhradie (Čerešňová) and follows the green trail. Although steeper, the ascent takes only 30–45 minutes and is very efficient.
Other options:
- Jankov Vŕšok – Uhrovec Castle (red and blue trails): approx. 1.5 hours
- Uhrovec village – Jankov Vŕšok – Uhrovec Castle: approx. 2.5 hours
Parking is available in the Čerešňová area of Uhrovské Podhradie. A bus service runs to the villages of Uhrovce and Uhrovské Podhradie.
Practical information
You can support the civic association by making a voluntary donation, purchasing souvenirs or helping with the restoration. There is a castle keeper on site who can guide you.