Stara Lubovna – Castle with a Fascinating History
Stara Lubovna Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Slovakia. Its origins date back to the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, and it has played a significant role in the history of Central Europe. In 1412, it was here that King of Poland Vladislav II met with Sigismund of Luxembourg, the King of Hungary, to sign the treaty pledging the Spiš region. For the following 360 years, Stara Lubovna Castle became the seat of the Spis governors, who were subordinate to the Polish Crown. Within its fortified walls, the Polish coronation jewels were hidden during the Swedish Deluge, and a little later, the renowned traveller and adventurer Maurice Benyovszky was imprisoned here. Today, the partially restored Stara Lubovna Castle is open to visitors, offering permanent exhibitions, a castle chapel with a replica of the Polish coronation insignia, and a viewing point with panoramic vistas over the mountainous landscapes of the Spis region. A visit to Stara Lubovna Castle allows you to experience the atmosphere of past centuries and travel back in time to the era of knights, monarchs and historic events that left a lasting mark on the history of this part of Europe.
The Open-Air Museum beneath Stara Lubovna Castle
At the foot of the castle stands an open-air museum that perfectly complements a visit to this historic stronghold. Opened in 1985, the museum showcases the traditional rural architecture of the Spis and Saris regions. Its collection of wooden cottages, forges and roadside chapels creates an authentic image of a bygone Slovak village. The open-air museum captures the spirit of everyday life once led by the Rusyn, Highlander, German and Jewish communities, who shaped the culture of this borderland area for centuries. While visiting, you can step inside fully furnished village homes, explore a historic granary and discover a charming corner filled with traditional folk toys for children. It is well worth lingering here a little longer during the summer season. Wooden benches around the site invite visitors to enjoy a picnic with views of Stara Lubovna Castle and the surrounding hills. It is a place where you can truly soak up the atmosphere of past eras and see for yourself how the inhabitants of the Spis villages once lived.
Stara Lubovna Castle – Ticket Prices and Practical Information
If you are planning a trip to Stara Lubovna Castle, it is worth familiarising yourself with a few practical details in advance. The castle can be explored independently or with a guide. During the summer (from July to August), guided tours occur every half an hour from 9:45 am, with each visit lasting approximately two hours. Another highlight is the falconry displays, held within the castle grounds at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Ticket prices for the castle and the open-air museum are best checked directly before your visit, as they may vary depending on the season. The site is partially adapted for visitors with disabilities and those who are blind or deaf. Within the castle grounds, you will also find a charming café – the perfect spot to relax over coffee and enjoy local snacks amidst historic surroundings.
