Kezmarok Castle Audio guide

Kezmarok Castle

Kezmarok Castle ranks among the most important historical landmarks of Spis. It stands on the site of an older sacred complex whose roots go back to the 13th century. The foundations of the original Church of St. Elizabeth have survived in the courtyard, a reminder that the present form of the complex took shape in several construction phases.

From church to castle and chateau

The first written mention of the castle dates from 1447, when the garrison of Jan Jiskra of Brandys was stationed here. In the second half of the 15th century, the site was transformed into a fortified residence, and in the following centuries it underwent Renaissance, Baroque, and Classicist modifications. The Thokoly family, which owned the castle for a long time and had the entrance tower restored in 1628, left a marked imprint here.

The site today

Inside and in the courtyard, the transformation of the medieval fortress into a representative noble residence is clearly visible. A valuable feature is the early Baroque chapel, which testifies to the religious and social importance of the site in the early modern period. After the fire of 1787, restoration did not begin until the early 20th century, and today the chateau houses the Museum in Kezmarok.

Visitors gain an overview of the history of the town, noble families, and the evolution of defensive architecture in Central Europe.