Fire, Fairy Tales and Finances

Take the short walk to the Piaristic Church of St. Francis Xaverský, which was constructed between 1653 and 1657.
This beautiful baroque church has irregular opening hours, but if you are lucky enough to visit when open, make sure to check out its beautiful interiors, especially above the facade, which has been painted to give the optical illusion of being a dome!

Take the steep walk up through this enclosed passageway that was constructed in 1568. It was part of the town's defences allowing the defenders to man the city walls and provided a connection to the armoury and up to the castle above.

On the way up to Trencin Castle, take a short diversion to check out this parish church which was founded around 1324.
The church, as well as the town itself, has been devastated by frequent fires. Indeed the fire in 1790 was so intense that three of the four bells in the tower melted!
Note that the church tends to only be open during morning and evening mass.

Originally, the Karner was a 15th century bone house for the Parish church, however, less gruesome sights await you as it now displays sacred art from Gothic to Baroque styles.
The Karner was also part of the city walls and, for a time, acted as an armoury.
Open Hours: April - October Monday - Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
Lunch Break: 13:00 - 13:30

Trenčín is another castle built on the former defences of Great Moravia, with the stone walls originating back to the 11th century when a tower and rotunda were built.
By the end of the 13th century, the stonghold came into the possession of the Lord of Váh and Tatras, a noble who controlled almost 50 castles!
Unfortunately, Trenčín Castle was not untouched by the great fire of 1790, which not only levelled most of the town, but also damaged the castle significantly. The silver lining to this tragedy, however, was that the castle was re-built, with three palaces gracing the hill top.
Take the big circuit guided tour at 11:00.
The castle is open daily, but Open Hours may fluctuate, so check it in advance.
Tour Details and Booking

Enjoy your lunch at the Barbakan Bar, within the surroundings of this 16th century medieval fortification. It is said that the Barbakan even has a number of secret escape passages!

Walk back to your car and prepare for the rest of your adventure.

The foundations of the enchanting Bojnice Castle are some of the oldest in Slovakia, having been established since at least 1113. But its appearance today is more of a fairytale castle than a grim defensive structure.
This makeover was crafted by Count Jan Palfi in the late 19th century and is a great example of the sixth phase of castle development in Slovakia, when the nobility were looking for more comfort and luxury rather than defence. From the 18th century onward, the influence of French Chateaus, as evidenced in Bojnice's transformation, or the move away from castles altogether to manor houses instead, became more popular.
Castle Museum Open Hours

Park at the hotel, which will be your overnight accommodation, and then prepare to walk through the historic old town of Banská Bystrica to the castle and your restaurant for dinner.

View the exteriors of Banská Bystrica Castle before you enter the restaurant.
Rather than being battlements to fend of enemy armies, this castle originated as protection of the royal treasury's finances, which was generated through the profitable mining of local copper and silver.
However, by the 16th century, the fortifications were strengthened considerably due to the threat from the Ottoman Empire.

Enjoy a meal and a beer at this spacious and comfortable restaurant and bar, situated within one of the castle's historic buildings.

Have a walk to Mestský park to stretch your legs after your meal.

Recharge overnight in the historic city of Bystrická Klubovňa and prepare for the next stage of the journey.