Zvolen Castle

It is the dominant of the central Slovak town Zvolen. Castle is located on the banks of Slatina River. Gothic - Renaissance castle was built in the second half of 14th century by Hungarian king Louise I as a hunting lodge or summer residence of the Hungarian kings. It was built in the Gothic style, following the model of Italian city castles./p>

In the 16th century, the castle changed its function and was rebuilt into an anti-Turkish defense fortress. Fortifications, an entrance gate and two more floors were added. The castle was inhabited by a permanent military garrison. In the 18th century, the castle underwent its last major reconstruction in Baroque style. From this period we have a well preserved wooden ceiling in the Royal Hall, on which 78 portraits of Roman and German emperors are painted.

Currently, the castle is under the management of the Slovak National Gallery and it is used for exhibition purposes. The permanent exhibition includes copies of Master Paul from Levoča works, many Gothic wall paintings and a selection of European fine art. In the summer, Zvolen Castle Theater Festival takes place in the courtyard of the castle.