Oravský Podzámok

Orava Castle rises from a steep rock above the Orava River, with the settlement of Oravský Podzámok at its foot. First recorded in 1267, the stronghold became the centre of the surrounding county. Its buildings followed the narrow heights of the rock, combining successive defences and residences into a formidable complex.

In 1556 Francis Thurzo obtained the castle and county, rebuilt the stronghold and encouraged settlement in sparsely populated Upper Orava. His son George became palatine of Hungary and continued the family's work; the castle chapel was consecrated in 1611. After the family line ended, its heirs established a joint administration in 1626 to keep the estate together. A great fire in 1800 devastated the castle, but the estate's director Francis Zichy initiated repairs that saved it from complete ruin.