Spiš Castle

The sprawling ruins of Spišský hrad are the largest in Slovakia, some claim in all of Central Europe. The fortress was first constructed in 1209, wrecked by the Tatars in the 13th century and reconstructed in the 15th century.

Although the castle burnt down in 1780, wandering through the labyrinth of half-height walls you get a good sense of how big the place really was. Few structures remain whole today, but there's a cistern, a chapel and a rectangular Romanesque palace, which holds the museum. Descend to the dungeon to see the meaty bits - it's incredible the torture devices the human mind can think up.

The hilltop views are spectacular, especially in summer when wildflowers cover the fields below. Throughout summer months the castle hosts medieval festivals, which consist mainly of music and mock battles.