Spiš Castle

A Medieval Castle Beyond the Tatra Mountains

Spišské Podhradie

www.spisskemuzeum.com

Spišské Podhradie

39,000 m²

Area of the castle complex

1120

The earliest written mention of the castle

1993

Year of inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List

Spiš Castle is a place where medieval history comes to life

Spiš Castle is perched on a travertine cliff above Spišské Podhradie and is one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe. The earliest written mention of it dates back to 1120. It originally served as a border fortress, later becoming the seat of the Spiš County Governor and an important center of secular power in the Spiš region.

Over the centuries, the castle was expanded and rebuilt by several noble families. Palaces, defensive towers, a knights’ hall, and the Chapel of St. Elizabeth were constructed here. In 1780, a fire destroyed the castle, and it gradually fell into ruin. Since 1993, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the surrounding monuments. Currently, the lower and middle courtyards are open to visitors, while the upper castle remains closed for reconstruction.

April–May, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

June–August, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

September–October, daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

What We Offer

A tour of the lower and middle courtyards

Historical and Museum Exhibits

Examples of Medieval Architecture

Panoramic views of the Spiš region

Cultural Events and Night Tours

Sivá Brada–Dreveník Nature Trail

What do you need to know before you arrive?

Set aside about two hours for your visit to the castle

Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes

The path to the castle leads through gently sloping and, in places, uneven terrain

The Upper Castle is closed due to ongoing renovations

Stay on the marked trails and access paths only

In case of inclement weather, the castle may be closed for safety reasons

Free parking is available below the castle on the side facing the village of Žehra

Entry to the premises is permitted only with a valid ticket

Please read this before your visit

Renovation and Accessible Areas of the Castle

The Upper Castle is closed to visitors due to renovation work. The lower and middle courtyards remain accessible. Due to the critical condition of some structural elements, it is prohibited to walk at the base of the castle hill, beneath the rocky cliff, and near the castle walls outside of the marked trails.

Hours and Admission

From June through August, Spiš Castle is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with last admission at 6:00 p.m. Due to restrictions caused by renovation work, the standard admission fee for adults has been reduced to €12. Students and seniors pay €8, children ages 6 to 18 pay €6, and children under 6 are admitted free of charge.

Parking and the Route to the Castle

Free parking for visitors is located below the castle on the side of the village of Žehra. From there, it’s about a ten-minute walk to the entrance. You can also set out for the castle from Spišské Podhradie, from where the hike takes about one hour. There is no parking lot directly below the castle on the Spišské Podhradie side.

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Other Trips in the High Tatras Area

The area around the Tatra Mountains is home to even more places worth visiting—discover other destinations and plan an outing for each day of your stay in the region.