Árva vára (Oravský hrad)
History
After the Battle of Mohács, it again became royal property, and thanks to Ferdinand it came into Polish hands, becoming a stronghold in the struggle against the Turks: its walls were reinforced, and a new castle gate and drawbridge were built. In 1549 Ferdinand once again annexed it to his estates, later granting it to Francis Thurzo, and the castle, along with a vast estate, remained in the possession of his heirs until it was nationalized following the Second World War. They transformed it into a comfortable manor house, though without neglecting its defensive role.
In 1626, a common ownership system was established, but they soon came into conflict with the Habsburgs: due to their involvement in the Wesselényi uprising, General Heister besieged the castle in 1670, and the defenders were forced to surrender it. Eight years later, however, it was occupied by Imre Thököly, and only in 1709 did it return to imperial hands. In 1711, the Thurzó heirs regained it and took care of it, although by then it had largely lost its military significance.
In 1800, only part of the citadel survived a devastating fire, and more than sixty years passed before Count Ödön Zichy was able to establish a museum there, later directed by Pál Esterházy. Between 1896–1919, Orava Castle, together with the manor house built by the Pálffy family, became widely known.
Style
The castle chapel and its altar, the knight’s hall, the picture and armory collections, as well as the furnishings of the chambers, largely evoke the splendor of the Baroque golden age.Famous residents
According to oral tradition cited by Kálmán Mikszáth, Orava Castle was built by the Knights Templar. Another widely known legend tells that Peter Váradi, Archbishop of Kalocsa and chancellor, was imprisoned in the castle by King Matthias with the words: “Arva fuisti, arva eris et in Arva morieris” (“You were Orphaned, you will remain Orphaned, and in Orava you shall die”). However, after Matthias’ death, the archbishop was released.Present day
Today the castle is a historical monument and museum, which also hosts exhibitions on natural science and ethnography. A particular curiosity is the ornithological collection of the Polish forester Antoni Kocjan.
