One of Central Europe’s largest castle complexes
A hilltop castle complex covering more than 4 hectares, with construction dating to the start of the 12th century, inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1993 as part of 'Levoča, Spišský Hrad and the Associated Cultural Monuments'.
What to look for during your visit
4 highlightsExplore the walls, towers and courtyards of one of Central Europe's largest castle complexes
Take in sweeping views over the Spiš countryside from the hilltop
See Spišská Kapitula, the walled church settlement, in the valley below
Learn about the site's near-900-year history, documented from 1120
A place shaped across centuries
Construction at Spiš Castle dates to the beginning of the 12th century, with the oldest written reference from 1120. Over the following centuries it grew into one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe, covering more than 4 hectares on its hilltop site. The castle and the town beneath it, Spišské Podhradie, were jointly inscribed onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1993.
What to expect when you arrive
The scale of the ruins is the main draw, with extensive walls, towers and courtyards to explore across the hilltop site, and sweeping views over the surrounding Spiš countryside, including toward Spišská Kapitula in the valley below.
A closer look
4 photographsPlan your visit
Address
Spišský hrad, 053 04, Spišské Podhradie
Best time to visit
May to September gives the fullest opening hours; the castle can close entirely in the depths of winter.
Getting there
The castle sits on a hilltop reached by a short drive or a longer uphill walk from Spišské Podhradie; most visitors drive or take a taxi to the castle car park before walking the final approach.
Accessibility and terrain
The site involves extensive uneven, unpaved terrain and is not well suited to wheelchairs or strollers.
Combine it with
Continue exploring nearby
Spišská Kapitula, the walled ecclesiastical settlement sharing the same UNESCO listing, lies about 1km away.
