Viniansky Castle

Viniansky Castle (Slovak:Viniansky Hrad) are the ruins of a Gothic castle on the mostly andesite hill on the south-west part of the Vihorlat Hills above the village of Vinné, in the Michalovce District of Slovakia. The ruins, associated with the nobility of Michalovce, originates from the latter part of the 13th century. Similar to other castles in the area, it functioned as a watchtower along the Magna Via, an ancient trade route connecting the Potisie region to Poland. The castle was demolished during the Estates' rebellion in the early 18th century. Currently, the castle has been under reconstruction since 2011, which is being carried out by the Zemplínsko-Užská hradná cesta civic association. History The village of Vinné was part of a significant aristocratic lineage originating from Michalovce, which initially came from the Kaplon variety. Notable branches of the Michalovce lords included the Tibay family, Sztáray family, Eödönffy family (also referred to as the Vinnay family), Bánffy family, and Pongrácz family. Although their main residence was in Michalovce, many families found it insufficient, prompting them to construct a castle in Vinný. Viniansky Castle was established before 1312, when it suffered damage inflicted by the sons of the palatine Amadeus Aba during their resistance against King Karol Róbert. By around 1330, the initial division of the Michalovské Estates commenced, and in 1335, during a subsequent division, the sons Andrej and Jaka split the western section of the estates into two parts. At that time, the castle featured two prismatic towers, a palace, a gate, and a chapel, and by 1449, it also included a dungeon and a basement tower that rose four stories high. As Jacob's family expanded, each member desired their own holdings. However, the division of property led to economic weakening among the nobles of Michalovce. Eventually, a branch that settled in Starý acquired the property. Along with the land, the Sztáray family also took possession of the castle, which had been damaged in 1466 due to conflicts between Matthias Corvinus and Casimír of Poland. The castle's restoration was delayed and only occurred at the century's end, following pressure from Stephan Zápoľský, whom King Corvinus appointed as captain to safeguard the northeastern region of Hungary. The restoration was completed around the early 16th century, albeit lacking the sophisticated features of contemporary architecture. Towards the conclusion of the 16th century, conflicts arose between the royal court and the feudal lords, leading to the rebellion of the magnate Kendy against the king. In 1594, imperial forces intervened. Due to the obsolete design of the fortress, the castle was completely destroyed by fire. Nevertheless, the Sztáray family undertook its restoration in a traditional manner. This restoration enabled the castle's capture in 1663 by the rebel Gabriel Bethlen and again in 1644 by the soldier Juraj Rákóczi. In both instances, the castle was seized by insurgent forces. The castle's military importance subsequently diminished, and attention shifted to the nearby villages and estates. In the early 18th century, following the suppression of the final anti-Habsburg revolt led by Francis II Rákóczi, the castle was dismantled, particularly its defensive structures, in accordance with a legislative decision aimed at the elimination of antiquated fortifications. Gradually, the castle fell into ruin. Since 2011, the Zemplínsko-užská hradná cesta company has been responsible for the castle's upkeep. Findings from the castle During the reconstruction of the castle in 2018, there was a discovery of almost two thousand copper coins in a clay jug, dating from 1858 to 1860, brightly colored Renaissance tiles, various torsos of decorative parts of the facade, metal keys, arrowheads and remains of ceramics. An intact vine was discovered, whose age is estimated at approximately 200 years and is thought to be a rare variety of Neuburg. Architecture Compared to other castles is Slovakia, the castle has kept most of its medieval appearance, because despite being used for a large period of time, there has been no major modernization of its fortifications or significant expansion or alteration of the buildings inside the castle. Inside the castle walls, there exists a palace block featuring a staircase tower. The complex of buildings has been preserved in certain areas, showcasing cornering corners, window openings, and remnants of Renaissance vaults. Archaeological excavations at the castle have revealed that the lords of the castle constructed up to two entrance gates during the 13th century, a feature that is quite rare for smaller castles in Slovakia. References