Orava Castle
The jewel of the Orava region

Orava Castle is one of the most well known in Slovakia, with people coming from all parts of the world to admire both its historic and aesthetic values.

Today, the castle houses archaeological, natural history and ethnographical expositions. The original dungeons of the castle are also open to the public and house an exposition about medieval justice.

A guided tour of the castle in English is well worth the admission fee, and includes amongst other things a demonstration of medieval hawkers and a sword fight between knights over their fair lady.

Opening Times:

May: Tuesday - Sunday: 0900 - 1630 (closed Mondays)
June to August: Monday - Sunday: 0900 - 1730
September to October: Tuesday - Sunday: 0900 - 1630 (closed Mondays)
November to April: Visits by arrangement only.

Admission Prices:

Adults: 140Sk
Children/Students/Seniors: 80Sk

Website: www.oravamuzeum.sk

Budatin Castle
Zilina's glorious water castle

Situated in the outskirts of Zilina, Budatin Castle belongs to the water castles, which in the past were protected by streams and moats.

The water castles were built in the period after the Tatar invasion throughout Slovakia, to help prevent any further invasions.

Today, there are three exhibitions of the Povazske museum housed here. Both the archaeological and the historical exhibitions are certainly worth a quick look, but the real attraction here is the Tinker Art exhibition, which is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world.

Open All Year:

Tuesday - Sunday: 0800 - 1600 (closed Mondays)

Admission Prices:

Adults: 40Sk
Children/Students/Seniors: 20Sk

Website: www.pmza.sk

Slovensky Betlehem, Rajeska Lesna
The largest crib in Europe!

In the village of Rajecka Lesna situated about 15 miles south of Zilina, the largest crib in Europe can be found.

The Slovensky Bethlehem is a marvelous piece of art, carved out of wood and with moving parts, which depicts not only the birth of the baby Jesus, but also the country of Slovakia.