Spissky Hrad, Slovakia
Channel: Patrick Beckers
Date: 2023-03-01

This is one of the largest castle complexes (41426 m²) in Europe. The castle was built in the 12th century on the foundations of an earlier castle, and then extended in the 13th and 14th centuries. In the 15th century, it was completely rebuilt, while in the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle was turned into a residential palace in Gothic style. As the castle was slowly becoming uncomfortable, the then owners left at the beginning of the 18th century.  It was then used as a garrison and in that capacity it was hit by a big fire in 1780, after which it became ruinous. In the 2nd half of the 20th century it was preserved and partly restored (museum section). UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

More info about and pictures of this castle at 
www.castles-across-europe.com