Castle Lietava

Lietava, Slovakia, Slovakia

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Castle Lietava, one of Slovakia's largest castle ruins, sits atop a steep volcanic hill near the villages of Lietava and Lietavská Svinnaá in the Žilina District, controlling the Rajčanka River valley trade routes. Construction began in the late 13th century by the Balassa family, first mentioned in 1316-1321, evolving from a compact Gothic upper ward with a square 6x6m keep tower into expansive 15th-16th century complexes featuring crescent-shaped walls, multiple towers like the Red Tower and four-sided tower house, residential wings, barbicans, drawbridges, and Renaissance comforts under owners like Mikuláš Kostka and František Turzo. Abandoned after a 17th-century fire, its dramatic multi-level ruins blending medieval defense and late Gothic splendor now draw visitors for panoramic views and preserved architectural layers.