Slovenská Ľupča – Bela IV’s Castle Overhanging the Low Tatras

One of Slovakia’s many, many, castle, Slovenska Ľupča holds a a special place in my esteem due to its beautiful pastel colours, shades of blue and red, that adorn its roof. Located just outside Banská Bystrica, the castle occupies one of the last promontories of the Low Tatras, a rocky ridge with commanding views of the landscape.

The Town

There is not much to see in town. First mentioned in 1250, it was once situated in an important trade route, the Via Magna, connecting Buda to Kraków.

The settlement cropped up around the castle and in the medieval era had some importance gaining town statue by Charles I in 1340. The later centuries would not be as kind and it would loose its charter in the 19th century.

The Castle

People stop here for the castle, period! Located at an elevation of 375 meters above sea level. the castle has a long and proud history. The only structure in the region to survive the Monol (Tatar) onslaught of 1241, largely due to its stone walls, its helped anchor the village you see today. It was a favourite hunting resort of King Béla IV, who had it rebuilt. Bela actually signed the royal town privileges of Banská Bystrica from this castle in 1255. Strangely enough the castle served as an orphanage from 1873 to 1938.

Among those who have taken residence here at one point or another are King Charles I (of Hungary), King Louis the Great, Emperor Sigismund, and King Matthias Corvinus. This is due to the fact that the castle was one of the residence of many Kings of Hungary over the centuries.

The castle is best known as the home of the noble Magister Donč, but due to the lack of signage I recommend taking a tour if you would like to know more.