Kezmarski Castle (Kezmarski Hrad) is the main attraction of the High Tatras. Tourists who come to the High Tatras ski resort, as a rule, do not deny themselves the pleasure of spending a few hours to explore the history and architecture of the beautifully preserved castle.
The first mention of Kežmarė Castle dates back to 1463. It is not known for certain where the name of the castle and the settlement around it came from. There are several versions of the history of the castle’s name, most of them in one way or another related to the influence of German culture. The most popular version is that the castle was named after a huge glacier in the Austrian Tyrol.
To build Kežmar Castle, a small church was destroyed. The owner did not have enough building materials for one wing of the building, and he solved the problem without investing additional funds, using bricks from the building of a religious cult.
To get into the castle, you have to go through a defensive tower, which used to be a drawbridge. From the courtyard to the castle leads spiral staircase, it takes visitors directly to the second floor.
Duration of the tour of the castle is from thirty minutes to one hour.
Part of the facade and interiors are under prolonged reconstruction, but the arches, high windows and other architectural details immediately paint a picture of the Renaissance. During its history the castle has burned twice and been rebuilt several times. First it was built in late Gothic style, then Italian architects turned it into a Renaissance building. Most of the time the Kežmar castle belonged to the Tököli family. Its coat of arms hangs at the entrance to the castle.
In Kežmarovský Castle there is a variety of exhibitions: from the history of ancient tribes to the decoration of the 19th century. Of great interest is the hall of the Town Hall, where furniture and other objects are displayed. For example, there is a ballot box and a crucifix for taking the oath, a chair of the town mayor.
On the territory of Kežmará Castle there is a Baroque chapel with a surprisingly exquisite frescoed vault. The last great reconstruction took place here back in 1657, one of the castle owners Stefan Tököli II dedicated the chapel to his wife. The young woman died at the age of 21, but bore six children to her inconsolable husband.
Practical information
Kežmaras Castle is open daily, but on weekends and holidays you can get inside only by making a reservation for a group tour.
The castle is allowed no more than 4 people in a group.
The duration of the tour ranges from thirty minutes to one hour, depending on the time of year. This circumstance affects the working time of the castle. From June to October the complex is open from 9:00 to 16:00, in November and April the castle is open from 8:00 to 15:00 and in May from 8:00 to 16:00.
