The ruins of Blatnica Castle are one of the most easily accessible ruins. It is located just a short distance from the village of Blatnica – one of the most picturesque villages in Turiec. An easy educational trail leads to it, which begins in the Gaderská Valley. The advantage is that you don’t have to take a long and difficult hike to get to it, and there are still eye-catching views of the Gaderská Valley and the Turčianska Basin.
The castle was built on the route of the royal postal route “Magna Via”, which led through Turiec. The first report about the castle dates back to the 13th century, when the owner was Peter of Brezovice. Later, several owners changed at the castle. It was significantly expanded by the Révay family, to whom it belonged until the end of the 18th century. A fire became fatal in 1760 and then it served only as a farm building.
Several archaeological sites have been recorded in the vicinity of the castle, including the Blatnica sword. He is mentioned in the legend of Blatoň, who saved princes Pribina and Mojmír. According to him, the castle was named Blatnica and the territory was named Turec in honor of the aurochs hunt.
But let’s go back to hiking. The road to the castle leads along the asphalt road through the Gaderská valley and after about 10 minutes you will reach the turn to Blatnica Castle (521 m above sea level). From the turnoff, you will walk along a beautiful forest path and you will reach the castle at a leisurely pace in about 20 minutes. This marked route is lined with information boards.
Currently, the ruins of the castle are undergoing reconstruction, which is provided by volunteers from the Diadem civic association. They have already done a lot of work there, but there is still a lot of work to be done. At the top near the castle, you suddenly have beautiful views of the peaks of Tlstá and Ostrá. You will also find a small view of the Gaderská Valley. There, especially on weekends and during the holidays, you will meet nice people who sell gift items and always tell you something interesting about the castle.
In addition to the mentioned road, you can also get to the castle by other routes. You can continue along the asphalt road through the Gaderská valley to the old gamekeeper’s lodge and then take the sloping road to the castle from the opposite side. The shortest way is to park on the road between the village of Blatnica and its part of Sebeslavce. It is about 5 minutes to the castle up a steeper hill along the meadow. Children’s imagination will certainly work fully on the ruins of the castle. You will be transported to the times of princesses and brave knights and enjoy a nice fairytale trip.
You can see the exact route here.
Text: Bc. Veronika Šimková
Photo: archive of S-NPVF
