Strečno and Starý hrad Castles

Strečno and Starý hrad Castles are popular ruins located on Mala Fatra mounatain range in the area of the breakthrough of the river Váh. Castles therefore have had strategic position. Strečno Castle was built in the 14th century. Tthere was a relatively frequent change of owners here, because of the important position of the castle. In 1776 the castle was the place of preparation of the Wesselényi uprising. In the present there is exposure of Považské Museum located here. On top of the Zvon peak, which is located near the Castle, Memorial of french soldiers can be viewed, who were fighting hard to defend the castle Strečno during the Slovak National Uprising. Ruins of Starý hrad castle are accessible from the village Nezbudská Lúčka. The castle was built in the 13th century. It was owned by robber knights called Pongráčovci. Those collected toll from the wood rafters floating wood down the river Váh . The tradition of rafting in this area came to life again and is part of active tourism.