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CastlesSlovakia has more than 300 known castle sites across the country. Most castles have been ruined for centuries, burned or destroyed in conflicts. But others remain pristine; these tend to serve as museums that can be visited by the public.  Kezmarok Castle is situated in the centre of Kezmarok and is the most significant historical building in the town. The five-towered castle was built on the remains of a church which was built in the 13th century. Renaissance modifications to the fortifications are reflected in the present exterior of the castle. Originally a gothic castle palace, it was radically rebuilt in a baroque style. This happened when the presbytery of the castle chapel was inbuilt into the former bastion.The main attraction, St. Elizabeth's Church, with the rich stucco decoration of its lunette vaults, created by Italian masters, is of special interest. Today a museum is located here. There is an on-site exhibition presenting the history of Kezmarok and its surroundings, a collection of portraits dating from the 17th century, guild history, shooting club trophies, arms and armour, and the actual castle. Guided tours are available.  Spis Castle is a large medevial castle ruin, with origins dating back to the 12th century, Spis castle is perched on a rock above Spisskie Podhradie. Today it is the fifth largest castle complex in Central Europe.It covers over 41,426 square metres and consists of five courtyards. A complex of 135 rooms was located in the highest part of the castle. Many aristocratic owners, such as Zapolsky, Thurzo and Caky families, have lived here. Spis Castle is of immense historical interest and architectural value and was elected to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993. Stara Lubovna Castle is a well preserved castle which stands over the town on the left bank of River Poprad. It was built after the Tatar invasion of Spis to protect the surrounding region at the turn of the 13th century. The castle is essentially split into three parts. The upper castle consists of a frontal cylindrical guarding tower and a longitundial gothic palace; the southern courtyard under the upper castle is outlined by a wall and consists of a late gothic building forming an entrance into the upper castle; the third part consists of the castle defences and contains corner cannon's bastions. There is an on-site museum here, which presents the history of the castle, period housing, arts and crafts; a lapidary, the prison and the castle gallery also can be visited.
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