Hričov Castle

Hričovský Castle is one of the oldest castles in the Považie region. Its history dates back to the thirteenth century, when King Bela the Fourth gave it to Master Tološ. The castle had a strategic location and belonged to several surrounding villages, including Dolný and Horní Hričov. Over the centuries, the castle fell into the hands of various important families. First it was ruled by the Balas family, later it was forcibly conquered by the mighty Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. After his death, the castle was returned to its original owners. Later it was owned by the Podmanick family and finally it was acquired by the Turz family, who bought it for seventeen thousand gold coins. The castle survived several sieges and conquests. In the fifteenth century it was captured by the Hussites, later by German soldiers and then again by the Podmanick family. Each such conquest left its traces on the castle. Over time, the castle lost its strategic importance. The Turz family moved to the more comfortable Bytčany castle and Hričov began to fall into disrepair. By the seventeenth century the castle was practically abandoned and slowly crumbling. Today, only ruins remain, which remind us of its rich past.