ORAVA
The Orava castle consists of a picturesque complex of buildings erected closely to the elevated
rock. This complex respects and makes use of the natural terrain. The asset of this complex is its
well-preserved state. The individual, gradually built palaces, fortifications, a chapel, and a vicarage
as well as other adjoining buildings with a strong fortification system recreate the old settlement of
this stronghold. The ridge of the slanting stone masiff consists of three terraces, which became the
core of the building complex of the upper, middle, and the lower castles. The origin of the castle dates
back to the l3th century, but the construction activity continued also in the following centuries. The
Thurzo family gave the castle its present appearance by reconstructing and modernizing it in 1559-1606.
The Thurzo family also erected a chapel. In it, an epitaph of Juraj Thurzo from 1616 had been preserved.
It is the work of a renowned Augsburg sculptor G. Menneler.
The restoration of the castle commenced in the midfifties of the 20th century. After the reconstruction
completion castle the area was changed into museum of nature and history. The Slovak Government has
declared this castle National cultural monument.
...............Courtyard
Knight's room
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Palffy's palace
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Baroque altar
