the ruins of the castle Sklabina

brief description:
The castle was built between 1308-1321 on site of an old fort. The oldest part is the upper castle, with irregular foundation and inside courtyard that was later on build up with living and agricultural quarters. In 1436 the castle was burned out. It was rebuilt in 1460-1480 and enlarged with fortified walls on the North side that were strengthened by two polygonal watchtowers.
Frantisek Revay became the new owner in 1527, who soon after also became the inheritable ruler of the Turiec county (zupa). He rebuilt and expanded the castle with the South fortified pre walls protected by watchtower. In 1610-1612 the Revay's built a multi story manor house below the old castle. The manor house was the seat of the Turiec County until 1850’s. The manor house was lived in until 1944.
In this year during the Second World War the Germans threatened to kill a local gypsy if he did not burn the manor house. So he did. They let him go free, only to commit suicide as he couldn't live with such guilt. Later on they burned the village of Sklabinsky Podzamok.

if you want to visit, here is the map