Spiš Castle

Spiš Castle sprawls along a limestone ridge above the village of Spišské Podhradie, its pale walls and towers visible for miles. The complex grew from the 12th century onwards and was largely ruined by a fire in the 18th century, which makes it a place to walk through rather than a furnished palace. You climb through courtyards to a keep with wide views of the Spiš plain and the Tatras on a clear day.

The castle is part of the UNESCO site that also covers Levoča and the nearby chapter at Spišská Kapitula. It is run by the Slovak National Museum, and opening seasons change with the weather, so check the museum page before you set out. Wear sturdy shoes: the paths are steep and uneven.