A new tip for a trip for lovers of history, nature and easy hiking has been added in the vicinity of Košice. Sokol Castle in the Košice-Okolie district has a part of the castle tower accessible after restoration, which now serves as a lookout point and also brings visitors closer to the past of this exceptional place.
The restoration of the tower brought new life to the castle. Thanks to partial re-roofing, it was possible to create a safe space that combines the view of the surroundings with the presentation of historical findings. A visit is not just a short stop in the countryside, but also a small journey into the Middle Ages.
A view with a touch of history
The restored tower also includes a lapidarium. Visitors will find there examples of original stonework elements, which remind of the craftsmanship of the masters of the past centuries. The exhibition is complemented by enlarged models of rare coins discovered at the castles of Sokole, Kysak and Obišovce.
It is these details that make a visit to the castle more than just a classic trip. Sokole Castle shows that even lesser-known sites can hide powerful stories and significant archaeological discoveries.
A monument that local people helped restore
The restoration of the castle started thanks to the project People and castles. It allowed to involve people from marginalised Roma communities in the work and at the same time helped to preserve part of the cultural heritage of the region.
According to the mayor of the village Sokole Ľuboš Šucu, the castle is exceptional especially for its findings and the dimensions of the tower itself. It is the combination of historical potential, the work of local people and support from the Terra Incognita programme that has made it possible to open the restored part of the castle to the public.
The Royal Castle, which once belonged to Košice
Sokole Castle has an interesting historical story behind it. In the past it was a royal castle, which was donated by King Sigismund to the town of Košice in 1429. Later, however, the castle disappeared and, according to historical sources, the Košice inhabitants themselves participated in its destruction.
Archaeological research has confirmed that a massive tower with a diameter of almost ten metres stood on the site. This type of architecture is rare in Slovakia and a similar solution can only be found at Spiš Castle. That is why the restoration of Sokol is important not only for the village, but also for the wider region.
County support helped create an attractive place for day-trippers
The restoration project was supported by the Košice Self-Governing Region through the Terra Incognita programme. The Region thus continued its long-term efforts to save historical monuments and at the same time develop places that can serve tourists and residents of the region.
The once inconspicuous castle hill is gradually becoming a safe and interesting destination for families, tourists, school trips and people looking for a shorter trip in the countryside near Košice.
The opening of the restored tower is another step towards making Sokole Castle more known to visitors. The new observation tower, lapidarium and presentation of the finds help to show that the region around Košice harbours many places with great historical and tourist potential.
Today, Sokole Castle offers a pleasant combination of a trip to nature, views and learning about history. For visitors to the region, it is another reason to discover the lesser-known, but all the more interesting corners of eastern Slovakia.
Sokol Castle is a part of Šariš Castle Road, which connects more than 80 unique historical objects in the Šariš region.
Source: the Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš
Photo source: the Regional Tourism Organisation Región Šariš
