Orava Castle – Exploring Nosferatu’s Spooky Lair
The horrific image of the vampire, Nosferatu, is seared into the minds of all cinephiles. A masterpiece of German expressionist cinema, the haunting shots of Max Schreck creeping up a castle as the fictional Count Orlok have inspired generation of filmmakers, not too bad for a rip-off of Dracula. Although set in Germany, this movie was filmed in then Czechoslovakia at the very castle we are to discuss in this post. Welcome to Nosferatu’s Spooky Lair, Orava Castle.
Table of Contents
Geography
The castle located on a high rock above the Orava river, near the the village of Oravský Podzámok. It is situated in Slovakia’s north, not far from the southern reaches of Poland and the High Tatras mountain chain.
A Brief History of the Castle
Dating back to 1267 in written sources, but likely occupied before this date, this impressive fortification jumps out at the approaching traveller from a distance. In the 14th century, under the Kingdom of Hungary it became a county seat and its pyramid like fortification began to take shape. King Matthias Corvinus expanded the fort, adding a residence, a later expansion prepared the building for the treat of Ottoman invasion.
Although the stature of the decline during again, its acquisition by the Thurzó family allowed for much needed funds to replenish the castle over the 18th century. In 1800, a gigantic fire destroyed all the wooden parts of the castle, reconstruction on the upper castle would not be complete until 1861. The death of György Thurzó, allowed for the castle’s widow to transfer the administration of the structure to the county who, slowly transformed the underused building into a museum. After all the county lost its economic importance and they needed to find a use for the structure. The first exhibition took place in the Thurzo Palace of the castle in 1868. It is one of the oldest museums in the county.
Exploring Nosferatu’s Lair
The Village
A parking lot currently exists south of the castle on the east bank of the Orava river. From there you can walk northward to the castle via a pathway that takes you past the Church of St. John of Nepomuck and a museum dedicated to historic carriages.
If interested, you will find many vendors in the parking lot offering a variety of Nosferatu themed items!
The village is little more then what you will find on the main street, a few hotels, restaurants and the castle looming above.
Do check out the old town hall, now a museum.
Once up in the castle you will have a better look at how small the village truly is.
The Castle
At the base of the castle ramp you will find a visitors center where a ticket can be purchased. While here use the wife to download the official castle app. All the displays in the castle have been translate in many different languages. This will help you enjoy the building at your own pace.
With your tickets in hand you will be able to climb the ramp up into the castles outer gatehouse.
After crossing the gate into the structure you will be greeted into the exterior courtyard, also known as the lower castle. This is the square and palace created by King Corvinus and later expanded by the Thurzó family.
A stone staircase will take you to the upper reaches of the castle but you should start by exploring the courtyards many structures.
To the right you will find the Turzo palace, fist a royal residence for the Hungarian King. Here you will find a beautiful Thurzo era baroque chapel of St. Michel with a crypt. You will also find György Thurzó’s quarters, with a painting of him hung up on the walls as well as the Orava tresury.
There is a display of religious objects as well a display of weaponry in the upstairs levels.
As you rise you will be privy to increasingly better views.
The upper reaches of the castle are the administrative quarter where paintings of past administrators are hung.
The final level is dedicated to the making of the movie Nosferatu. The heights here are dizzying and not for the faint of heart. The exhibit is built around the well.
Enjoy the views!
Alternative Viewpoints and Rafting
Before you leave, check out the west bank of the Orava river. Here you will find a rafting business and a great view of the castle near the Orava heart, a popular location of Instagram pictures.
Conclusion
There are few fortifications in the world that can compare to Orava castle, not only is the scrawny fortification impressive as it unfurls the higher it gets but it is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape.
