Cachtice Castle is one of the most famous castles in Slovakia and this fame is not due to its architectural value but to the person who inhabited it at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, Countess Elizabeth Bathory.
Čachtice Castle History
Built at the start of the 13th century to defend Hungary’s western borders, it was later expanded in the 15th century. At one point it was owned by Matúš Čák who also owned the nearby Trencin Castle.
At the end of the 14th century, the Stibor family from Stibotice owned it but in 1569, it became the property of the famous Nadasdy family. The aforementioned Elizabeth Bathory was married to Ferenc Nadasdy.
Visit Čachtice Castle
The castle was destroyed by the troops of Rakoczi II in 1708. Although the castle was repaired afterward and used as a jail, it was completely destroyed by a fire in 1772.
The ruins of the castle can be still seen clearly to this day and they are open to visitors.
The castle is closed on Mondays but can be visited the rest of the week. Entrance fees vary between 1.50 and 2.50 euros per person.
Čachtice Castle Location
The town of Cachtice is located just one hour north of Bratislava or 30 minutes south of the city of Trenčin.
Once one arrives in the town, the ruins of the castle can be easily spotted on the top of the hill and the yellow hiking signs must be followed to reach it.