Hrad Ľupča

About the museum

Ľupča Castle (Hrad Ľupča) has stood above the Hron valley between Banská Bystrica and Brezno for about 750 years. Little is known about its beginnings, but the site was chosen strategically on the communication routes of a region rich in mineral resources and timber. It is among the best-preserved and typologically most interesting castles in Slovakia: its elements document the development of castle architecture from the mid-13th century to the present, and its appearance changed from the late Gothic to Classicism.

The current owner and manager is Železiarne Podbrezová, a. s., which has been systematically restoring the castle for more than 20 years; the castle rescue project gave it back its lost values. The tour route is divided into the lower and the upper castle. In the lower castle visitors can read the information boards at twelve stops on their own, view three exhibitions, the Lovecký salónik (Hunting Salon) and a panel exhibition about the restoration. The guided tour of the upper castle leads through the neo-Gothic Gizelin dom (Gizela House), the upper courtyard with the medieval keep (donžon) and the portal of Pavol Rubigall, the chamber of Mária Séčová, an exhibition of sculptures by Professor Kulich, a chapel with its original altar, and a well with a secret escape passage.

Highlights

• Guided tour of the upper castle with the keep and the portal of Pavol Rubigall
• Gizelin dom with representative rooms and the chamber of Mária Séčová
• Chapel with the original altar and a well with a secret escape passage
• Self-guided route of the lower castle with three exhibitions and the Lovecký salónik
• Exhibition of sculptures by Professor Kulich

Permanent exhibitions

• Okruh Dolný hrad – Self-guided tour with information boards at twelve stops, three exhibitions, the Lovecký salónik and a panel exhibition on the restoration of the castle.
• Okruh Horný hrad – Guided tour with the Gizelin dom, the keep, the chamber of Mária Séčová, the exhibition of sculptures by Professor Kulich and the chapel.

Operated by

Železiarne Podbrezová a.s.

Admission & discounts

The basic admission without a guide (lower castle route) is €4 for adults; with a guide's commentary (upper and lower castle) it is €8. Holders of the Regionálna karta Horehronie get a 20% discount.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The castle offers a family ticket for two parents and up to two children under 14.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café

In the lower courtyard is the castle buffet Koštovky u Havrana, serving coffee and light refreshments.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The castle offers wedding ceremonies and the hire of spaces.

Plan your visit