Bodoň Castle, Zlatá Baňa, Slovakia

Bodon Castle

The castle is built on a distinctive rock outcrop of a round shape at an altitude of 855.2 m. It has several names - the round shape of the rock also gave the castle the name Kerekku (Round Rock) in the Middle Ages. The Slavic population of the surrounding area named it Makovica because of its peculiar shape, when from a distance it protrudes above the horizon like a poppy. The third name is Bodoň, after its founder - the nobleman Budun of Plosky. The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1285, when Budun had it built. According to preserved documents, his family members (wife and children) hid here during the Tatar invasions at the end of the 13th and beginning of the 13th century. 14th century. Settlement in the Middle Ages was not long-lasting. However, archaeological research has uncovered several buildings, especially the foundations of the main tower. This tower together with the visible ramparts of the former walls are the most visible remains of the castle. Traces of the castle fortifications can also be seen today on the rock plateau. There are no other traces of masonry buildings. It is assumed that wooden dwellings and outbuildings stood on the plateau.
Bodoň Castle is one of the highest medieval castles in Slovakia due to its altitude. It occupies almost the entire summit plateau with dimensions of 52x50 m. The height of the rock walls is up to 20 metres and they also serve as training walls for rock climbers.

There is a possibility of barbecue near the castle, and there is also a spring of drinking water nearby.

From the castle there is also a magnificent view of the valley.

Photo: OOCR Región Šariš

Map

Information

Municipal office Abranovce Abranovce 25, 082 52 Contact: Tel.: +421 51 77 983 34 Mobile: +421 940 655 466 E-mail: obecabranovce@gmail.com How to get to the castle: The castle can be reached by a trail marked with a yellow tourist sign from the village of Zlatá Baňa. Turn right along the forest path to the Makovica hill and from there on to the rock cliff on which the castle stood. The trail continues to the village of Abranovce and can also be used in the opposite direction. The most beautiful and fastest road suitable especially for cyclists is through the Ráca valley along the forest asphalt road up to the Heteť saddle, where this road ends and connects to the yellow marker. Turn left, towards Pusté pole (Zlatá Baňa). After a short climb you will reach a plateau dominated by a huge rock cliff. Length of route: 12.7 km estimated 3:30 hrs. Difficulty: Considering the distance, we consider the route to be moderately challenging, yet suitable for any age group. Please take care during the journey, especially on the narrow access road that skirts the castle.

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