The old castle of Zvolen

The old castle of Zvolen is a large castle complex with an area of 7, 6 hectares. The most of the castle ruins lie on a rocky hill southwest of Zvolen in Javorie Mountains. Ruins of the castle are surrounded by forest. The castle complex was built in four stages from the 12th till the 14th century. According to historic opinions, the old castle of Zvolen was built around 750. It was mainly a military fortress, which protected this important part of the country (crossroads of business routes). After the military fortress was dismissed, a royal castle was established and it became the seat of many Hungarian kings during their hunting visits of the area.