Kapušian Castle is situated on the hill Zámčisko above the village Kapušany near Prešov.
The national cultural monument Kapušiansky Castle is located at an altitude of 504 m above sea level in the nature reserve Kapušiansky hradný vrch (Kapušiansky Castle Hill) with an area of 18.1 ha, with an important botanical site on the volcanic rocks. An ancient Slavic hillfort is presumed to be on its site.The adventurous story of the servant Quack
Name Kapušany Castle comes from the Hungarian word kapu (gate). In the past, it was the main crossing point to Poland, which is evidenced by the toll collection documented in 1332. The strategic location necessitated the construction of a stone castle. The hill was already In the 13th century there was a royal castle, which was called Maglovec or Mogluch, named after the owner Maglod, whose family died out in 1300. In 1315 it was conquered by the royal army after the revolt of its owner Henrich of Brezovice, who was imprisoned after capturing the castle. The castellan was freed by his faithful servant Kvaka by sacrificing himself and exchanging his master in the dungeon. When this exchange was discovered, Kvaka was cruelly punished by having both hands cut off. The castellan did not forget the self-sacrificing servant and gave him the village of Kvakov as compensation. After the departure of the royal troops, the heavily damaged castle fell into disrepair. In 1347, it is mentioned only as the site of the demolished castle - locus castri. Later the owner Andrej de Koka built a new castle on the old preserved walls. According to contemporary records, the construction of the castle required 165 barrels of wine and several thousand eggs, in addition to a considerable amount of money. The castle was built as a residential residence for the manor and later served for soldiers.The turbulent history of the castle
In 1440 King Vladislav I. Jagelovský gave the castle to the nobles from Rozhanovce, but in 1464 it is already mentioned as the property of John of Kapušiany. A charter from 1468, by which King Matthias ordered Košice, Bardejov and Prešov to assist Imrich Zápoľský in the conquest of Kapušian Castle, shows that it was occupied by the Brahmins. At the end of the 15th century, it became the target of an attack by the Polish troops of John Albert. After these attacks, the castle was damaged and therefore rebuilt in the following century and the lower courtyard was enlarged. Gradually, outbuildings, craft workshops and a guardhouse were added. At the turn of the 16th-17th century, the manor moved to manor house in Tulčík and the castle is transformed into a refugial (serving as a refuge). The castle remains garrisoned and the nobility only moves there in case of danger. During the anti-Habsburg rebellion, the castle was occupied in 1686 by the well-known Kuruc leader Imrich Tököly. In 1709 it fell into the hands of Francis II. Rákoczi, whose leader Telekessy had the castle set on fire. Kapušian Castle returned to the Kapy family in 1712 and the widow of Gabriel of Kapušian - Eva Gergelaky had it rebuilt. However, 3 years later it was burnt down by decision of the Hungarian Diet to prevent it from becoming the centre of the anti-Habsburg movement.Extensive archaeological research
Since then the castle has been deserted. However, the castle was still relatively well preserved in 1879, only without roofs (according to Miskovszský's drawings). In 1975-1976 archaeological research was carried out at Kapušiński Castle and it was included in the list of national cultural monuments. The Roman Catholic dean Juraj Macák was also involved in archaeological activities at this place. In 2012, after almost three hundred years, work began on the conservation and restoration of the castle, including the necessary archaeological, architectural and historical research, and work continues to this day. Today, the castle is a very well-preserved ruin with a beautiful view of the Slanské vrchy Mountains, but also the Sekčov valley and the Ondavská vrchovina (Ondavská Highlands). The castle is popular for cyclists as well as for runners - usually from Tulčík and Fulianka. Kapušian Castle is a part of Šariš Castle Road. In addition to this castle, you can also visit other castles in the region. It is definitely worth a visit: Šariš Castle, Saltworks, Shebes Castle, Lipov Castle, Zborov Castle, Plaveč Castle, Kysak Castle, etc. Photo: OOCR Región Šariš, Pierre BonaMap
Gallery
Information
Kapušany Municipal Office
Hlavná 104/6
080 12 Kapušany
Tel: 051/7941 102
E-mail: kapusany@kapusany.sk
Castle administrator - Zdenko Petrásek - tel. no.: 0907 942 928
Current information can be found on the municipal website www.kapusany.sk/kapusiansky-hrad
Opening hours during the summer season:
Monday: closed
Tuesday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:00
Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
Opening hours during the autumn season:
Monday: closed
Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 - 15:00
Saturday - Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00
During the winter season (December - March) the administration building and the observation tower at Kapušian Castle are closed.
Organized groups can arrange a tour with the castle manager at least 3 working days before the scheduled date - contact.
Admission to the observation tower during the tour: adults 1 €, children over 10 years, pensioners 0,50 €.
The castle area is freely accessible.
Ascent to the castle
From village Kapušany:
- from the railway station (green tourist sign) walk along the road towards the centre of the village. After a few dozen metres at the bakery, turn left at the crossroads with ramps.
- If you are coming by bus or car, it is necessary to turn left after the church of St. Martin (from the direction of Bardejov turn right before the church). After a few meters you will reach the bakery. Cross the track, then follow the green sign past the industrial area and the football field. Cross the bridge over the Sekčov stream to reach the car park, near which there are two gazebos for resting. From the car park, walk on foot. A less demanding route starts at the end of Lesná Street near the chapel. It continues along the forest path, which will lead you directly to the entrance gate to the castle.
- The more adventurous use the difficult route, which is ascended at their own risk. It starts at the end of Pod hradom Street, leads through a steep hill and along the rocks. The trail reaches the meadow below the castle by the cross.
From Fintice:
- along the green tourist trail, which is located below the Fintice quarry. The trail leads along a bar and is less demanding to climb than from the village of Kapušany.
- estimated time 1:30 hrs. with stops at Kikapa (resting place of Tulčík's mushroom hunters) and at the spring, under the castle hill
