Strechno Castle
Slovakia, Zhilina

For more than 700 years, a medieval Gothic castle rises above the village of Strechno, on the left bank of the Vag river. Strechno Castle was built at the turn of the XIII - XIV centuries and was of strategic importance. One of the main trade routes to Turkey ran along the Vag river, and trade duties from sailing vessels were collected in Strechno. The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1316, at that time, most likely, there was only a watchtower. The first owners of the castle were representatives of the Balaches family, later the castle passed to Matush Chuck. Until the end of the XIV century the royal family owned the castle, in the following centuries the castle often changed its owners, each of which contributed to the construction of new fortifications and the improvement of the castle. The most famous historical person who lived in the castle was Zofya Bosnak, famous for her kindness, piety and help to the poor and afflicted. She died in 1644, relatively young, before she was 35 years old, and was buried in a castle crypt. In 1674, while suppressing a rebellion, the castle was destroyed by Austrian imperial troops under the command of Captain Michal Pol. By 1680, from the once rich castle there were only ruins, the roof, walls and living quarters were badly damaged. The castle became uninhabited. In 1689, among the ruins of the castle, the remains of Zofia Bosnak were found, 45 years after her death, they remained incorrupt, in 1869 they were transferred to the church of the village of Teplice. In 2009, the remains were burned by a mentally ill person; their copy made of clay is now in the castle chapel. In 1910, a partial reconstruction was carried out in the castle, during the Second World War it was again destroyed. In 1970, the castle was declared a national cultural monument. In 1995, after long restoration work, it became available to visitors. The castle has an exposition dedicated to the history of the castle and its environs. It hosts night excursions, exhibitions, knightly tournaments, theatrical performances, wedding ceremonies are held in the castle chapel.

Location
Strechno Castle