Hrad Lietava
The ruins of a castle in the Súľov Rocks (Súľovské skaly) near Žilina, with a site that is freely accessible all year round and a permanent tactile exhibition on the castle's history, archaeological finds and firearms.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The rocky ridge on the eastern spur of the Súľov Hills (Súľovská vrchovina) was chosen for the castle, probably by the Balašovci family, in the last quarter of the 13th century. The castle later belonged to the king, various pledge holders and the Stiborici family. In 1474 Pavol Kiniži became its lord and substantially rebuilt it. In the 16th century the Thurzo family gave it a Renaissance remodelling; after the death of Palatine Juraj Thurzo the castle gradually fell into decay, and from the middle of the 18th century it was abandoned.
The rescue of the monument is carried out on a voluntary basis by the Združenie na záchranu Lietavského hradu (Association for the Rescue of Lietava Castle), which has been active here since 1999. The permanent exhibition opened on 2 September 2017, on the 450th anniversary of the birth of Juraj Thurzo, and in May 2018 it was expanded with a tactile section.
Highlights
- Freely accessible castle ruins with views
- Permanent exhibition on the history of the castle, archaeological finds and firearms
- Tactile exhibition – the exhibits can be touched
- Kinižiho veža (Kiniži Tower) and the Stredný palác (Middle Palace) with the castle cellar
Permanent exhibition
- Hradná expozícia – Permanent exhibition on the history of Lietava Castle, archaeological finds and firearms in the restored rooms; a tactile section has been added since May 2018.
- Founded
- 2017
- Operated by
- Združenie na záchranu Lietavského hradu
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry to the exhibition is voluntary; all funds collected go towards saving the castle.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The exhibition is designed as a tactile one, not only for blind visitors – all exhibits can be touched. Only forest, meadow and field paths lead to the castle.
Kids & families
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly: not available
The tactile exhibition suits both children and adults. All paths to the castle lead through the forest, across meadows and along forest tracks and are not suitable for prams; the climb is manageable with a child carrier.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Lietava, Majer pri moste · 35-min walk · 2.1 km
Bus stops Lietava, Majer pri moste and Lietava, OcÚ (municipal office).
By car
Parking available
A large car park by the football pitch in front of Lietavská Svinná-Babkov is recommended; a smaller car park is in the village of Lietava, and another in Lietavská Svinná.
From Lietava, part Majer, a blue-marked trail 2.1 km long (about 35 minutes) leads up to the castle; from the municipal office in Lietava it is about 4.5 km (about 50 minutes). The castle lies 10 km from Žilina between the villages of Lietava and Lietavská Svinná-Babkov.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The castle cellar with the exhibition offers refreshments and souvenirs. Public toilets are not listed on the website.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tours of the castle, the exhibition, or the association's rooms that are closed to the public must be arranged in advance. Individual dates can be arranged for groups and school trips. |
