Šariš Castle

Šariš Castle - the most famous castle in the region

Šariš Castle (Veľký Šariš, Prešov Region) is one of the largest castle complexes in Slovakia and one of the most important landmarks of the Šariš region. It is situated on a hill above the town of Veľký Šariš and offers a unique combination of history, views and experiences.

From history

Šariš Castle was built on the initiative of the King of Hungary in a strategically important position dominating the vast territory of Šariš. Its location meant not only military control of the surrounding area, but above all control over important regional and trade communications to Spiš and Poland.

Over the centuries, it became the property of several important noble families and played an important role during the anti-Turkish battles. During its history, the castle was visited by several Hungarian kings, including Béla IV and Matthias Corvinus. Later, it gradually lost its importance and began to decay after a gunpowder explosion.

The present of the castle

The castle is currently being slowly restored and is open daily throughout the year. It offers a permanent guided tour service with the Donjon Tower dominating the restored tower. In good weather and visibility, visitors can enjoy views of three neighbouring landscapes, more than 6 castle ruins in the surroundings and the High Tatras.

Šariš Castle offers panoramic views of the wide surroundings of Šariš, a tour of the extensive castle grounds with an authentic atmosphere, a number of events throughout the year (medieval days, craft workshops, thematic events) and experiential activities for families, schools and tourists. It is connected to the Archaeopark in the castle's substructure, which brings the life of our ancestors closer to life and thus completes the idea of life in the past.

The great advantage of the castle is its excellent accessibility - it is located just a few minutes from the regional city of Prešov or Košice with parking in the castle and a pleasant hiking trail to the castle.

Šariš Castle is very accessible:
- on foot (yellow hiking trail - approx. 1 hour)
- also suitable for cyclists (asphalt access road)
- by car to the car park under the castle + on foot
Access options:
- from the public transport stop „Veľký Šariš“
- from the railway station Veľký Šariš
- from Prešov (Sídlisko III - cycle route)
- from the car park under the castle
The access road is also a nature trail within a national nature reserve with 5th level of protection.

Šariš Castle is a part of Šariš Castle Road.

If you find yourself in the Šariš Region, you can also visit other castles - Saltworks, Shebes Castle, Kapušian Castle, Lipov Castle, Zborov Castle, Plaveč Castle, Kysak Castle and others.