Orava Castle

Orava castle is situated on a very high rock in the Orava region of Slovakia, right above the Orava River. It is located so high that you can spot it from quite some distance, jetting out on top of a narrow high rock. The rock below almost feels like a custom-made platform for this castle. It is like a tall cliff holding the castle on its tip. Built in 13th century, the grand Orava Castle stands on old wooden fortifications. Not only has this castle seen change of hands and cycles of construction and destruction, but it has also witnessed changes in its design. It was originally built in Gothic style that was later changed to Renaissance style. Post World War II it has been declared a national monument and now it is a major tourist attraction of Slovakia. Even if you are unable to visit this beautiful castle, you can admire its architecture while driving around it. The castle looks equally enchanting from a distance with its narrow long stone building having few canopied towers in the front. Orava Castle can be entered only with a guide, who takes you on a tour for about 2 hours. You are shown the castle buildings, furnished rooms and courtyards, torture rooms—something that you can find easily in European countries and a range of weapons used by the inhabitants of the castle. Tours are available in English, German, Polish and Russian and the castle remains closed in the month of April.