Gelnický hrad – zrúcanina

In the southeastern part of Spiš, above the old mining town of Gelnica, which was first mentioned in 1276 as a free royal town, stands the ruins of Gelnica Castle. It is located in the western part of the town on an elevated site called Zámčisko. This medieval castle was originally built during the reign of Béla IV in 1237 as a fortified settlement to protect the town and local mines. After the Mongol invasion of 1241–1242, it was rebuilt into a stone castle.

During the unrest under King Ladislaus IV, the castle was occupied by the Roland family, but in 1285 they were driven out by the royal army. In 1343, the Bebek family from Krásna Hôrka took control of Gelnica and the castle, but they met the same fate as the Roland family. The castle and town experienced their greatest prosperity in the first half of the 15th century. Between 1447 and 1462, they were controlled by Jiskra’s troops and the Bratríci. In 1465, King Matthias donated the town and castle to the Zápoľský family.

After 1528, during the conflict between Ferdinand of Habsburg and John Zápoľský for the Hungarian throne, the castle was demolished. Later Ferdinand I granted it to Alex Thurzo, who rebuilt and expanded it, after which it became known as Thurzo Castle. After the Thurzo family died out, it passed to the Csáky family.

During the anti-Habsburg uprisings, the castle changed hands several times and was again destroyed. In 1685 it burned down, fell into ruin, and only remnants remained. Stones from the ruins were later used as building material in Gelnica, including for the town magistrate building (today the Mining Museum). In the 19th century, damaged parts were ordered to be removed after a fatal accident.

Today, the castle hill serves as a city park with views of the Volovec Mountains. Only small ruins remain, but the site is enriched by a chestnut alley planted in 1878. Information boards and benches are installed on Zámčisko. Restoration efforts are currently underway.

Information source:
keturist.sk