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Castle · Kežmarok, Prešov
Kežmarok Castle
A 15th‑century town castle, remodelled in Renaissance style by the Thököly family between 1572 and 1624, with arcaded courtyards, a Baroque chapel and the city museum. It was the starting point of the first recorded excursion to the High Tatras.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kežmarok Castle
Kežmarok Castle (Kežmarský hrad) sits at the northeast edge of the historic centre, at the end of Hradná Street. It was built in 1463 by brothers Imrich and Ján Zápoľský on the remains of a medieval settlement to defend the town, originally in a Gothic form with thick walls and bastions.
Its current appearance, mainly Renaissance, comes from a series of renovations between 1572 and 1624 when the castle belonged to the Thököly family. Sebastián Thököly brought in Italian masons and painters to transform the fortress into a residence. The courtyard buildings gained Renaissance arcades, the halls received mural paintings, and the chapel was redone in an early Baroque style.
The castle entered the history of mountain tourism as the departure point for the first known excursion to the High Tatras in the 16th century. The regional museum opened its first rooms there in 1931 and, after a long restoration, now occupies a large part of the complex with exhibits on history, period furniture, weapons and the town’s past.
In summer the castle hosts theatre performances during evening visits. The guided tour covers the courtyards, the chapel and the rooms, with fixed schedules.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one hour for the guided tour and the courtyards.
Best time
From May to October, with more visiting hours; on summer evenings there are theatre visits. Check the museum timetable, which varies by season.
How to get there
On foot, a few minutes from the Main Square via Hradná Street. By car, there is parking next to the castle.
Tip
Combine it with the Wooden Articular Church, a 10‑minute walk away. On Hradná Street, notice the 16th‑century merchants’ houses.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kežmarok Castle
What is there to see at Kežmarok Castle?
The courtyards with Renaissance arcades, the Baroque chapel and the museum rooms with period furniture, weapons and the town’s history.
Does Kežmarok Castle have a guided tour?
Yes, the tour is guided, at fixed times that change with the season. In summer there are evening tours with theatre.
What is the castle’s connection to the High Tatras?
In the 16th century it was the departure point for the first known excursion to the High Tatras, which are visible from the town.