Zvolen – A Castle Filled Stop on the Via Magna
Located between the medieval mining towns of Banská Bystrica and Banská Štiavnica, Zvolen’s name is of Slovak origin. It is synonymous with the chosen one, splendid and excellent, and although the city has seen better days, it still has some of that shine. Although it may be hard to compete with its mining town neighbours Zvolen, is also worthy of a quick stop off.
Table of Contents
Geography
Due to its geographic position, the town as developed into a regional transportation hub. It was also once home to an important Slovak timber manufacturing plant. The city is surrounded by thick forested hills.
A Brief History
Great Moravia and the Kingdom of Hungary
During the 9th century a Slavic settlement emerge at this location and by the 11th century it had one of the largest castles in Medieval Europe, Pustý hrad, on a hill overlooking the city. By this time the lands of Great Moravia had fallen to the Magyars, or what we would call Hungarians.
The town sat one an important trade route (Via Magna) from Buda to Kraków adn derived much of its wealth due to this fact. Zvolen was one of the first cities granted town privileges by King Béla IV in the Kingdom of Hungary. The towns success continued under King Louis I the Great, who built a new castle, the one seen in town today. It was a popular hunting resort of the Hungarian kings aven hosting important event such as the royal wedding of Mary of Hungary and emperor Sigismund in 1385.
Hapsburg Rule and Czechoslovakia
After the Kingdom of Hungary was absorbed into the Austrian empire, much of Lutheran Transylvania broke off an continued to fight for Hungarian independence. In one of these wars, that of Rákóczi’s War of Independence Austria was defeated in the battle of Zvolen.
One of the most famous people to have spent time in Zvolen was the Slovak national hero and poet Ľudovít Štúr who served this constituency in 1848–49 as a member of the Hungarian Diet.
The 19th century saw the advent of industrialization and two new railways were built, turning the town into a railroad hub and an important industrial center.
Modern Era
After the First World War, Slovakia was incorporated into Czechoslovakia. During the Second War, Slovak state was broken off and served as a puppet of Nazi Germany. Zvolen played an important role during the Slovak National Uprising at the end of the war when it produced two armored trains for the cause.
Recent years the Slovak government has tried to build up the tourism industry in town.
What to do in Zvolen
Explore Pustý Hrad
High up above the town, stands an ancient structure looming above its surroundings. Located at an elevation of 571 meters above sea level (with an addition 50 meters for its height!), this ancient fortress, now in shambles offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The castle grounds cover an area mesuring over 76,000 m², a remarkable number, making it one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.
Composed of both an upper and lower castle, it was founded by the Slavs in the 9th century but much improved over the following three centuries. Under Hungarian rule it was improved by master stonemason Bertold in order to protect refugees from the town of Zvolen during a the Mongol invasion.
By the 15th century, the castle lost its importance. This area was marked by a period of military strife between John Hunyadi and John Jiskra of Brandýs. Thus Pustý hrad was ruined by fire during a siege in 1452, probably burnt down by John Hunyadi’s troops.
Since 1992, the fort is an active archaeological site but has luckily remained open to the public.
Stroll Around the Old Town
The downtown square is relatively normal for a town of its size in this part of Slovakia. Although unremarkable it has a new interesting things to visit including the Finkova kúria (Finkova Manor) built in the 17th and 18th centuries and the Forestry and Timber. You will also find a soviet war memorial.
The highlight however is the Museum Evanjelický kostol svätej Trojice, an old Lutheran church converted into a catholic place of worship.
Visit the New Castle
On a small ledge overlooking the town is the new castle built by Louis of Hungary. Today the building is an art museum that is part of the Slovak National Gallery.
As such it should be no surprise that the courtyard is filled with strange statues.
The castle was built as the Pustý hrad (meaning “Desolate castle”) was difficult to access, great for defense but the new structure made it easier for the kings to go on hunts and expeditions. AS previously mentioned the structure was home to a royal wedding.
The castle was rebuilt several times as I am sure you could tell by the mismatch of styles. The incongruity comes from the fact that its 14th century gothic rebuilt was inspired by Italian castle while a renaissance style was used during the 16th century. While a last reconstruction took place in the 18th century, when the chapel was remodeled into the Baroque style.
Better Understand Military History by Stopping By the Armored Trains
Two armored trains, the Hurban and Štefánik can be seen near the Zvolen castle. Manufactured by the railway industry in town they served during the Slovak National Uprising.
Conclusion
Although Zvolen may be small, it is certainly worth at least a stop off. Not only is the castle of historical importance but not being a main city allows you to see how Slovaks live outside of the main tourist hubs.
