The square tower
A gate under a tall tower.
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Strečno Castle is a reconstructed medieval ruin on a 103-metre limestone cliff above the Váh river, east of Žilina. With nearby Starhrad it is a landmark of the Upper Váh region, and it now holds exhibitions of the regional museum, with strong views over the bending river and hills. The cliff was inhabited from the late Iron Age, thanks to its position over an important narrow route. The first written mention of the stone castle dates from 1316, when Matthew Csák owned it. A document of 1358 mentions the castle and a toll station for crossing the river below. It is now part of the national cultural heritage of Slovakia. You climb a stone road through trees to a gate under a tall square tower. Inside are stone courts, stairs and narrow steps between high walls. From the terraces you look at the Váh curving between fields and villages, and at dense forest. The castle can be seen from the road below. The castle is 10.4 km in a straight line south-east of Žilina, above the international road. A short path with stone steps climbs from the car park, so wear suitable shoes. Check times before you go. The road below is busy, so take care when stopping. Keep children away from the high edges.
A gate under a tall tower.
A river curving through fields.
High walls and stairs.
Above Strečno village, east of Žilina, north Slovakia
It is a short path with stone steps and suits most visitors.
Yes, it is very close to the city.