My wonders of my country - SLOVAKIA step #1 | Page 4

Spiš caStle
There are many castle ruins in Slovakia. One of them is Spiš castle. It is located in region Spišská
Nová Ves, and it belongs to Žehra village. It is one of the biggest castles in Slovakia. Since 1933, this
castle is registered in UNESCO. This castle is protected as a natural creature. The Spiš castle was
built between 11 th and 12 th century. It´s walls are around 30m tall. This castle was irrecoverable.
This area was colonized in paleolithic age. The castle´s hill was used as sanctuary of local citizens.
This area was colonized by Celts, but in 2 nd century A.D., it was abandoned. Between 5 th and 6 th
century it was colonised by first Slavs. Since 10 th century to half of 13 th century there were many
battles for formation of Hungary state. As i mentioned, The Spiš castle was built between 11 th and
12 th century. In 13 th century it was under Mongolian attack. First written mention regarding to Spiš
castle was written in year 1241.Spiš castle is one of the rare castles, which survived Mongolian
attacks in 1241. It´s fortification was improved after attack. In 1437, this castle was conquered by
Ján Jiskra, and the castle was rebuilt. In 1465, Matej Korvín gave castle to Zápoľskovs. In 1487 was
born Ján Zápoľský, who was later a king. In 16 th century, there were many owners of castle, but
Turzovs got the castle permanently. In 3 rd decade of 17 th century, the castle was point of
inheritance disputes. In 1639 castle permanently belonged to Čákiavs. They owned the castle to
year1945. In 1865, the Spiš castle became subject of imperial and royal commission interests.
Destructions were stopped after WW2, and in 1945 it was declared as cultural property of the
state .In 1961, Slovak socialist republic declared the Spiš castle as cultural national monument,
and save of the castle begun.
Author:Domik Varadzin
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