Červený Kameň Castle is one of the most famous castles in Slovakia. It is a frequent target of hiking and belongs to the Little Carpathian Wine Route. The history of the castle was written by Fugger and Palffy families, who rebuilt the castle into pompous Renaissance palace. At Červený Kameň are often organized cultural events, such as historical fencing tournaments. Visitors can check out interesting historical collections here as well.
Červený Kameň Castle is one of the largest and best preserved castles in Slovakia and National Historic Landmark. Castle, of which we find the first known written mention in chronicles in 1240 is located above the village Píla adjacent to Častá - Papiernička at an altitude of 339 m.
Červený Kameň Castle was built by the wife of King Přemysl Otakar I. Constance, who received this land as a wedding dowry from her father - Hungarian King Bela III. Even then, it was called Rothenstein, which means Červený Kameň. Later, the castle bears names like Vöröskő, Bibersburg or Piberstein, which means Bobrý hrad, or Bobrý Kameň.
The original castle, however, deterioriated at the beginning of the 16th century, but Fugger family after they had bought it from Thurzos in 1535, started to build in its place a massive renaissance fortress, which also served as a transshipment of goods. Fugger in fact owned important mining company and ore processing manufactories. At that time they belonged to the wealthiest financiers in Europe who lend money as well to Habsburg royal court.
Construction of a new castle continued in two stages. During the first - between 1537 to 1544 was built a new fortification system, the skeleton was formed by four corner bastions, which were connected throug ingenious system of casemates. Červený Kameň belonged in its time one of the most advanced fortification buildings of Europe. To break in building of the castle came in 1546, when the lease of copper mines was not renewed to Fuggers in the territory of Hungary. Not only for this reason, but also for the impending danger and hostility of high-Hungarian aristocracy Fuggers estate was sold to the hero of the Turkish wars Nicholas Palffy (1552-1600).
From 1583 until 1945 the castle was owned by the Pálffy family. Although the castle was never battered, but during the siege by the armies of Francis II. Rákoczi in 1705, the castle was quite badly damaged. After costly repairs the castle suffered further misfortune. During the great fire in 1758 almost all wings were destroyed. During the subsequent reconstruction floor area of the castle was raised. Other interventions until the mid-20th century were intended to increase the comfort of living of castles lords.
In the years 1948 - 1951 movables from many nationalized castles in western Slovakia were moved here. Already in 1950 were made available in its interior first museum exhibitions. Today the castle converted into a museum with an extensive exhibition of furniture, paintings and antique weapons.
Guided tour also leads to huge underground rooms of the castle, which served as storerooms of the Fuggers. It is the largest underground castle area in Europe. In the neighborhood is located large park with redwoods, yews and reportedly the largest chestnuts in Slovakia and linden alley. The castle complex hosts knightly tournaments as well as numerous interesting historical celebrations.