Castle Divín

Divín, Slovakia, Slovakia

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Castle Divín is a well-preserved Gothic castle ruin perched on a rocky limestone outcrop above the village of Divín in central Slovakia's Zvolen District, first mentioned in 1330 as a stronghold of the Lossonczy family guarding trade routes in the Hron River valley. Constructed in the late 13th or early 14th century with a compact core featuring a residential tower and perimeter walls, it underwent Renaissance fortifications in the 16th century—including bastions and a ravelin by Sigismund Balassa—before falling to Ottoman forces in 1575 after fierce resistance. Abandoned post-17th century amid rebellions and fires, the site retains visible walls, a reconstructed chapel tower, and a museum exhibit, drawing hikers for its panoramic views and ties to local noble history.