Krásna Hôrka Castle

Lore & Background

The castle was built in the 13th century by the Hungarian Ákos brothers on a trade route leading from Transylvania through Košice to Spiš and today's Poland. The Ákos family, which later changed its name to Bebek, lived in Krásna Hôrka from the mid-13th century to 1566, apart from a short period when the Mariássy family seized control. In 1578 the castle passed into the hands of Péter Andrássy and remained in the possession of the Andrássy family until 1918.

During 2010 and 2011 the castle underwent renovation and was re-opened to the public in April 2011. On 10 March 2012, the castle was badly damaged by fire caused by two boys who attempted to light a cigarette and accidentally lit grass on the hill, from where it spread to the castle. The roof, the exhibition area in the Gothic palace, and the bell tower were completely destroyed, and three bells in the bell tower were melted by the heat.

Reader's Guide

Krásna Hôrka Castle is significant as a well-preserved medieval fortress in Slovakia, designated a National Cultural Monument in 1961. Its history reflects the region's feudal past, with the Ákos/Bebek and Andrássy families as its primary occupants. The castle's etymology, meaning 'beautiful mountain,' and its possible link to the nearby karst landscape add cultural depth. The 2012 fire, caused by careless teens discarding a cigarette, drew international attention and led to extensive damage, though officials reported that 90% of the collections remained undamaged. The castle also inspired a Hungarian folk ballad, 'Krasznahorka büszke vára,' traditionally played on a tárogató. Its legacy includes both its architectural heritage and the cautionary tale of the fire, which highlighted the vulnerability of historic sites.

Did You Know?

• The first recorded mention of Krásna Hôrka Castle was in 1333.
• The castle was extensively damaged by fire on 10 March 2012 due to two boys carelessly discarding a cigarette.
• The Slovak National Museum stated that 90% of the collections were undamaged after the fire.