KEŽMAROK CASTLE (KEŽMARSÝ HRAD)

In the historic centre of the old town of Kežmarok, there is a beautifully preserved town castle, and probably one of the country's most precious cultural and historical monuments. Kežmarok Castle dates back to the late 15th century and served as a stronghold to protect the population in the event of an attack. It is characterized by high ramparts and an imposing entrance tower, all belonging to the Zápoľský family. Inside, the Gothic palace, renovated in the 16th century in the Renaissance style with its facades and large halls decorated with wall paintings, commissioned by Stéphane II Thököly, its ^second owner. The chapel, in baroque style, is covered with stucco and 18th century frescoes. The castle now houses exhibitions dedicated to crafts and its 36 guilds present in the city, to the history of the city and its privileges, to the Thocla family. The rest of the visit consists of a weapons exhibition, an antique pharmacy exhibition and a space showing the work of Dr. Vojtech Alexander (1857-1916), who was the first doctor in Slovakia to acquire an X-ray machine. Finally, the tour ends with the Hunger Tower, in which Beata was buried alive by her husband, Lord Albert Lasky, who accused her of immoral behaviour and locked her in the darkness of the castle before squandering her fortune. Today it offers a magnificent panoramic view of the neighbouring high Tatras.