Slovakia is one of the countries with an exceptionally rich network of castles, palaces, manor houses and castle ruins. Although here International Castles Day Although it doesn’t seem like much yet, Sunday 19 July 2026 offers the perfect opportunity to set off in search of history.
You can mark this day by visiting a well-preserved castle, going on a family outing to a romantic ruin, or taking part in an event that gives visitors an insight into life in the past. History enthusiasts can also set off on The Šariš Castle Road, which links the castles, ruins and other historic sites of the Šariš region.
Sunday 19 July will be all about castles
The day dedicated to castles and historical monuments of this kind falls on 19 July every year. In 2026, this date falls on a Sunday, making it a perfect opportunity for a day-long trip with family or friends.
In the Šariš region, we will celebrate this day as a community. Together with the event participants Experience castles in a different way we’ll head off to our second stop – at Kapušany Castle.
Castle Day was established as a joint initiative by European castles
The international event known as Palace Day is organised by the Association of European Royal Residences, now operating under the name Network of European Royal Residences. The idea for a joint event was conceived in 2015 during a meeting of the digital teams from member institutions at the Italian residence of La Venaria Reale. The first edition took place in 2016, and since then Palace Day has been held annually on 19 July.
Originally, it was primarily a joint social media campaign. During the campaign, palaces, royal residences, museums and other cultural institutions from various countries publish photographs, stories and interesting facts from their histories. The aim is to raise public awareness of the importance of protecting historical heritage and to showcase the artistic, architectural and social riches of these historic sites.
The network of European royal residences also provides a forum for collaboration between experts involved in the conservation, management and presentation of palaces and castle museums. It enables them to exchange experiences, develop joint projects and explore new ways of bringing historical monuments to the public.
The Šariš Castle Trail combines history, nature and legends
An interesting suggestion for celebrating Castle Day is Šariš Castle Route. The project weaves together the region’s significant castles, ruins and historic sites into a single narrative. It offers visitors not only an insight into history, but also hiking, panoramic views, local legends and the lesser-known corners of Šariš.
Among the most notable places are Šariš Castle, one of the largest medieval royal castles in Slovakia. The entire complex covers an area of more than four hectares, and the castle courtyard – which was built on the site of a former volcanic crater – covers approximately 2.7 hectares.
Those who prefer more leisurely trips might be interested in Kamenický Castle, which is one of the largest castle ruins in the region in terms of area, yet remains a less-visited site. Hanigov Castle It, too, almost blends into the surrounding forest and looks like a forgotten monument hidden away in nature.
Unusual locations also include Bodoň, situated on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of approximately 855 metres above sea level. Thanks to its location, it ranks among the highest-altitude medieval castles in Slovakia. The ruins Obišov Castle they serve as a reminder of the former control of an important transport route in the Hornád Valley and Saltworks Above Ruská Nová Ves, it preserves the story of two castle sites bearing the same name.
The digital guide to castles works even without an internet connection
The project includes Šariš Castle Trail web application, which serves as a digital guide to the region. It contains information on individual locations, maps, tips for day trips, stories, legends and practical advice.
The app can be installed on a mobile phone as a progressive web app, and selected features can also be used offline. This means it can help tourists plan their route and navigate during their trip, even in areas with a weak mobile signal.
Set off to discover the stories behind Slovakia’s castles
Sunday 19 July 2026 could be an opportunity to explore both well-known landmarks and less-visited castle ruins. When planning your trip, however, you should bear in mind the need for suitable footwear, plenty of water, the current weather conditions and the rules for visiting protected or restored sites.
Whether you choose castles Šariš Castle Road or a walk to castles in other parts of Slovakia; visiting a castle is a great way to foster an interest in cultural heritage whilst spending a summer Sunday in the countryside.
Source: Ing. Martin Sárossy, PhD., OOCR RŠ
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ
