Spisske Podhradie Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by We Travel Together

Tour a monumental castle, admire religious architecture and explore the gorgeous countryside around this beautiful old town in northeastern Slovakia.

Wander through the streets of Spišské Podhradie and you will rarely lose sight of the impressive castle that looms large over the area. The town also boasts enough ecclesiastical architecture to have earned it the nickname the Slovak Vatican.

Spišské Podhradie is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was built to serve the castle it takes its name from. The massive fortification dates back to the early 12th century and is one of the biggest castles in central Europe. It sits on a large rock, approximately 2,080 feet (634 metres) above sea level.

Walk up the steep hill to get to Spišský CastleOpens in a new window and then examine its rooms and ruins. See the old gates, stone columns and a 15th-century Gothic tower. Visit the castle kitchen and the Chapel of Elizabeth Thuringia. Among the other features are the Renaissance and Gothic houses that once belonged to the castle’s owners. Learn about the fort’s history in its museum. View suits of armour, weapons and instruments of torture.

Come back down the hill to explore the town itself, beginning in the main square. Look up at the Baroque-style Marian Column which is topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary. Make your way over to the 16th-century Town Hall.

Check out the religious sites that are spread across the town, such as the Spis Chapter House. This fortified complex is dominated by St. Martin’s Cathedral, a Romanesque church with high, sloping roofs. Other places include the Evangelical Church, the Gothic Roman Catholic Church, the Jewish Synagogue and the Cloister of the Merciful Brothers, which was a hospital established by the Augustinian religious order.

Spend a day walking in the countryside at nearby nature reserves in Drevenik, Sharp Hill and Rajtopiky. Rock climbing is also possible in the surrounding area.

Reach Spišské Podhradie by flying into the airport at Košice, approximately 54 miles (87 kilometres) away. If you arrange your trip for June, you’ll experience the Spis Folklore Festival, which captures the character and colour of the region as well as its history.

Penzion Chalupka II

Penzion Chalupka II

3 out of 5
Podzámková 420/25, Spisske Podhradie
Stay at this 3-star pension in Spisske Podhradie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Spiš Chapter and Spissky Castle ...
Penzion Chalupka II
Hotel Satel

Hotel Satel

3 out of 5
Mnohelova 825/5, Poprad
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Poprad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Tatra Gallery and Podtatranske ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (63 reviews)
"Large hotel. Rooms adequate size ,clean Bed comfy clean,rooms are older style,bathroom & toilet are separate little odd . Fridge/tv with BBC English news/hairdryer. Kettles & Cups upon request. Breakfast buffet usual suspects adequate.Opposite is pizza takeway and icecream shop & restaurant. Short ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Hotel Satel
Hotel Europa

Hotel Europa

4 out of 5
Wolkerova 1, Poprad
The price is AU$224 per night from 12 Sept to 13 Sept
AU$224
12 Sept - 13 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Poprad. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Tatra Gallery and Podtatranske ...
9/10 Wonderful! (73 reviews)
"This was a great hotel for a one night stay, but a few more nights would be even better!"

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2025

Hotel Europa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa Garden Apartmany

Villa Garden Apartmany

3.5 out of 5
Kukucínova, Poprad
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Poprad. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Poprad Ice Stadium and AquaCity Poprad ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"Property was great. It was very modern"

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Villa Garden Apartmany
Apartmány Sileas

Apartmány Sileas

3.5 out of 5
Tatranská 610, Velka Lomnica
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Velka Lomnica. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Black Stork Golf Resort and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
Nice stay near the Tatra mountains.
"we stayed at the hotel in our vacation is Slovkia. great location. we took the delux apartment and is was spacious for 4 people. the kitech is fully equipped and there is supermarket in 5 minutes walking distance."

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2017

Apartmány Sileas
Apartmen with moutain view - free parking

Apartmen with moutain view - free parking

Prešovský kraj
Stay at this apartment in Poprad. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Petso and Podtatranske Museum are located nearby.
Apartmen with moutain view - free parking
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit