Holíč Castle

The Holíč Castle is open to the public during the spring and summer seasons. Guided tours are available, offering a visit to the museum that features an exhibition of traditional crafts and guilds. Although the château is undergoing renovations, visitors can still access the original, historically preserved rooms – the Chinese Hall, with wall coverings depicting Chinese landscapes from the Ming Dynasty, and the chapel.

The Holíč Castle grounds serve various purposes, and the historic fortification walls surrounding the château have not been forgotten. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride around the perimeter, offering a unique view of the historical site. Boating is available to the public throughout the year, weather permitting. After a relaxing boat ride, guests can unwind at the château café. Children will enjoy the playground located near the Herb Garden, along the path by the pond.

More information: holic.sk

The Holíč Castle experienced its greatest prosperity during the reign of Maria Theresa, when it belonged to her husband, Francis Stephen of Lorraine. Thanks to him, an entirely new Baroque section of the town was created, featuring a wide central avenue that served as a grand approach to the château. The château's Late Baroque appearance is the result of the transformation of a former Renaissance anti-Turkish fortress into a representative summer residence of the imperial Habsburg family. The three-story building is designed in the shape of a U.

Surrounding the château, along the outer perimeter of the defensive system, are a series of economic buildings. The underground system of castle corridors was built in the 14th century. They radiate outward in all directions, and today connect only the château with the economic buildings. Part of the underground corridors is open to the public. One of the architectural highlights is the spacious and majestic staircase.

On the first floor is the château chapel, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, featuring a marble altar and preserved wall decorations. The most representative room in the castle is the so-called Chinese Hall, whose walls were once decorated with leather wallpapers painted with chinoiserie scenes. These motifs are repeated in dozens of paintings along the wooden dado rail and in the panelled door inlays.

The wooden flooring is also original, as are the two marble fireplaces with mirrored overmantels made of Venetian mirrors in gilded frames. Preserved elements also include late Classicist majolica stoves – white-glazed, cylindrical in shape with circular extensions – as well as three 19th-century Venetian chandeliers.

By 1799, the castle contained nearly 100 rooms. Due to its monumental character, generous architectural design, and historical significance, the Holíč Château was declared a National Cultural Monument in 1970.