Zvolenský zámok
Gothic royal hunting castle of the 14th century in the centre of Zvolen, a branch of the Slovak National Gallery with the exhibition Gotické umenie (Gothic Art).
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
King Louis I of Anjou had Zvolen Castle built in 1360–1382 as a Gothic hunting castle after the model of Italian urban castles, above an older church building. An earlier seat of power stood on a steep crag at today's Pustý hrad; its inaccessibility led the king to decide to build a new castle. It was completed in 1382 and became the scene of the betrothal of the king's daughter Mary and Sigismund of Luxembourg.
In the 15th century the castle belonged to the seats of the military leader Ján Jiskra of Brandýs, and Matthias Corvinus with Beatrice also visited it. Around 1500 the Thurzo family built the outer fortifications, and in 1548 a Renaissance remodelling took place, with an additional storey and corner towers. A comprehensive heritage restoration of the castle took place in the 1960s.
Today the castle houses a branch of the Slovak National Gallery. Since 2022 the exhibition Gotické umenie presents more than eighty sculptures and paintings from the SNG collections, mainly from the 14th to 16th centuries, and some works are represented by copies and casts of works by Master Pavol of Levoča. The grounds also include the castle chapel and a café.
Highlights
- Gotické umenie exhibition with more than eighty works from the 14th–16th centuries
- Copies of works by Master Pavol of Levoča, such as The Last Supper
- Castle chapel
- Gothic sedilia and frescoes in the vaulted passage
- Wall paintings from a burgher house in Zvolen from 1462–1470
Permanent exhibitions
- Gotické umenie – More than eighty Gothic sculptures and paintings from the SNG collections, mainly from the 14th to 16th centuries, supplemented by copies of works by Master Pavol of Levoča.
- Zámocká kaplnka – The 14th-century chapel on the east side of the courtyard.
- Operated by
- Slovenská národná galéria
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.60children from 13 years, students with an ISIC, Euro 26 or ITIC card, seniors over 64 years, companion of a person with a ZŤP card |
| Children & teens | €2.40free up to age 6 · Children aged 7 to 12 pay €2.40, children from 13 years €3.60; children up to and including 6 years enter free. |
| Seniors | €3.60Seniors over 64 years. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freePersons with a ZŤP card enter free; the companion of a person with a ZŤP card pays a reduced admission of €3.60. |
| Students & apprentices | €3.60Students with an ISIC, Euro 26 or ITIC card. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Guided tour for a group of at least 10 people: adults €10, students, seniors and ZŤP holders €3 per person; in a foreign language €12 per person. |
| Guided tour – adults (per person in a group of at least 10 people) | €10 |
| Guided tour – students, ZŤP, seniors over 64 years (per person in a group of at least 10 people) | €3 |
| Guided tour in a foreign language (per person in a group of at least 10 people) | €12 |
| Admission with the Sphere card (10% discount) | €5.40 |
| Admission with the Donovaly card (30% discount) | €4.20 |
The price applies to the exhibitions Gotické umenie and Zámocká kaplnka (Castle Chapel); admission to individual exhibitions is €0 to €6. Free admission also for holders of AICA, ICOM, IAA and RGS cards, tour guides with a group of at least 5 people, holders of a membership card of the National Trust and INTO, teaching supervisors with a group of at least 15 pupils, and students of art schools (VŠVU and similar). The annual loyalty programme applies at all SNG sites.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Because of the castle's location, step-free access to the entrance gate is more demanding. A lift near the entrance gate leads to the 1st floor. Dogs are not allowed in the exhibitions (except guide dogs); a dog may be taken into the castle grounds on a lead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Baby changing facilities: not available
The gallery offers programmes and events for families with children and creative workshops for schools. Toilets are in the courtyard opposite the gallery entrance; there are no changing tables.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Poľana
There is a stop of the Poľana city public transport by the castle; the bus and railway stations are about 15 minutes' walk from the castle.
By car
Paid parking
Paid car park directly below the castle, €1 per hour, payment at the machine.
The castle is at the southern end of Námestie SNP.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Lockers
- Wi-Fi
Castle café and shop. Free lockable lockers at the cash desk. Gallery Wi-Fi is available throughout the castle grounds.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography for private purposes without flash, tripod or selfie stick is free. Professional photography and filming are charged; wedding photography in the interior costs €100. |
| Good to know | Pushchairs must be left at the cash desk; bags larger than 55 × 40 × 20 cm may not be taken into the exhibition rooms. Groups of more than 10 people are advised to book in advance. School visits and guided tours: lektori.zvolen@sng.sk. |
