Sokoľ Castle
The remains of the medieval Sokoľ Castle stand on Hrádok Hill in the Čierna hora Mountains, west of the village of Sokoľ. This modest fortress is one of the smaller stone castles built during the second half of the 13th century. Unlike strategically positioned border castles, it most likely served as a refuge for local inhabitants during times of danger. Its construction is linked to the period following the Mongol invasion of 1241, when numerous stone castles were erected throughout present-day Slovakia. The first written record of the castle dates from 1299. Later, it became part of the defensive system of the Čierna hora region. In 1405, King Sigismund declared it a royal castle, and several decades later it was granted to the city of Košice. It was most likely destroyed by fire and abandoned in the mid-15th century.
For centuries, the castle remains lay almost completely hidden beneath the ground, blending into the surrounding forest. Archaeological research uncovered the foundations of its massive defensive tower, which have been carefully preserved and partially reconstructed. Today, the site is dominated by a new observation tower offering panoramic views of the forests of the Čierna hora Mountains and the Hornád region.
The restored complex also provides an authentic insight into the site’s history through exposed architectural remains, a lapidarium displaying original stone fragments, informative panels, and enlarged replicas of historical coins illustrating the story of the Hornád Triple Castle area.
Visitors can also see preserved sections of the medieval moat, remnants of the castle walls, and a medieval well in the courtyard. Below the castle lies the Castle Cave, approximately 27 metres long, believed to be largely an artificial passage leading beneath the castle tower.
A marked educational trail leads directly from the centre of the village of Sokoľ, with orange direction signs guiding visitors to the site. The castle grounds include benches and a double cross monument, providing a pleasant place to relax. A visit to Sokoľ Castle is also an opportunity to discover the peaceful landscapes of the Čierna hora Mountains, including the Sedlo pod Vysokým vrchom mountain pass and the picturesque meadow on Prielohy Hill.
