The castle stands on the black lava rocks waiting to be freed from a centuries-long curse. Castle Sivý Kameň in ruins. Visitors can get to the castle using a steep, winding road from the wide Upper Nitra Basin through the northwest edge of the mountain Vtáčnik. The castle offers a beautiful view of the countryside from Partizánske to Prievidza, the surrounding mountains and remnants of volcanic rocks.  

HISTORY

Castle Sivý Kameň was built in the first half of the 14th century as a royal castle, had several owners and then burned down in 1524. After its renovation it has become a shelter for troops fighting in the Bethlen’s uprising and later Francis II. Rákoczi’s uprising. 17th century transformed the castle into ruins. Majtény family paid dearly for their commitment to the imperial court. When plans to marry their daughter to King Ferdinand II failed, the Transylvanian prince Gabriel Bethlen in 1623 revived military operations of its troops. In September 1626 they conquered and plundered Sivý Kameň’s county and dragged the family into captivity. The destruction of the castle was finalized when the residents of nearby Prievidza came to the castle with chariots and drove grain and other supplies away. According to witnesses those people allegedly caused more damage than the Bethlen’s troops. The damaged castle then had started to fall into neglect. Much later, unfortunately, the castle ruin became a source of building material for residents of surrounding villages. Its today´s state was also caused by mining activities in the region.   

A TALE  

Janček was the commander of veterans and deserters who were plundering the region. As an experienced soldier he laid his eyes on Sivý Kameň. The castle withstood the attack and inhabitants captured a couple of attackers. The lord ordered their execution but his daughter -  beautiful Uliša – begged the lord to spare one of the prisoners – Janček. She remembered his face because he was the one who had saved her from Turkish soldiers when she was just a little girl. The lord granted him a pardon. Young lovers spent night together but in the morning Janček was simply gone. Uliša jumped on a fast steed and wen searching for her love. She spotted him standing on a high rock. When he saw her, he decided to go and help her because he feared she would fall out of the rock. However, he had forgotten that he himself was standing over the abyss and fell for his death. Uliša remained faithful to him until her death - she never married. The rock is now called Janček’s rock.

OUR RECOMMENDATION 

Podhradie is the highest placed village in the Upper Nitra region. The beautiful surroundings have a lot of nice spots suitable for picnics or relaxation. We recommend a walk to Biela skala (1135 above sea level) and Orlí kameň.