On a few occasions, I have found myself in very unique European rural settings -- settings which beckon thoughts of what life must have been like there centuries before. The presence of massive ruins enhance this phenomenon. And where did the population go which required such massive fortification?Later, if I did not seize the opportunity and explore those ruins, they resurface in my day dreams. Spišský Hrad is one of those which demands my return, better equipped with both acoutrements and time.
Standing above the north eastern Slovak town Spišské Podhradie and the village of Žehra, is one of the largest castle sites in Central Europe. Built in the 12th century, it was a regional political, administrative, economic and cultural center owned by Hungarian royalty.
Originally a Romanesque fortification, it enclosed a Romanesque palace and a three nave Romanesque-Gothic basilica. The castle was doubled in size in the 14th century and completely rebuilt rebuilt in the 15th century; another Gothic chapel was added. The castle was deserted in early 18th century and burned down in 1780.
It has been in ruin since. Magnificently so.
