Zvolen Castle

About

Inspired by Italian castles of the time, Louis I of Hungary built himself a hunting lodge, styled as a small-scale Gothic castle, in 1382. At the beginning of the 16th century, external fortifications and an entrance gate were added. A few decades later, Italian masons were brought in for further reconstruction, including the addition of another floor. By 1784, Baroque style had stormed the world, so the the chapel was updated to keep with the times. Today, the castle offers a unique experience, since instead of showcasing medieval relics, it guards a branch of the Slovak National Gallery - the most extensive in the country. Classic art, with an emphasis on iconography and Gothic art is intermixed with contemporary works.