Zborov castle

Hi.

It often happens that when I go somewhere on a trip, some kind of surprise awaits me. Be it positive or negative. Of course, I prefer if the surprise is positive, but one does not choose surprises.

I went on this trip with friends from work. Originally, we were supposed to leave earlier, but not all participants wanted to get up early on the weekend. Which is understandable. Fortunately, we were not pressed for time today and we had enough time reserve for a trip to the ruins of the Zborov castle.

We leave the car in the mini parking lot in the village of Zborov and cross the stream on the bridge that separates the built-up area of the village from the meadow of flowers. It doesn't take long for the level to end. We slowly climb up and not all the participants of the trip are satisfied with the climb. Why did they always build castles high on the hill? This question was asked by a friend who was not very enthusiastic about the output. We all laughed and moved on.

After a short walk through the forest, we arrive at the castle hill. Some are out of breath and resting on a bench, others take out their cameras and walk around the castle walls. The castle looks deserted, it looks like we are the first visitors today. In the grounds of the castle there is a man who mows the grass. We enter through the castle gate and the master spoke to us. It turned out that he is the chairman of the civic association that takes care of the castle. He immediately offered to play a video about the history of the castle and the repairs that have been carried out so far and which the civic association still plans to carry out. We really didn't expect that. He put down the scythe, brought the projector, played the video and answered all our curious questions. And how was it with the Zborov castle?

Zborov Castle is also called Makovica Castle. With this realization, I realized that I am glad that I write these articles because without it I probably would not have learned such information. And it's not just that. While finding out information about castles, I learn a lot of interesting things that I would like to share with you. But let's get back to the point.

Zborov Castle was probably created as a guard castle as it was located on a trade route. Besides, he was close to the border. The first written mention of Makovica Castle is from 1347. The feudal lords who own the surrounding estates are trying to settle this area, and in 1357 the Rusyns and Wallachians are mentioned in documents for the first time as new settlers. They contributed positively to the development of this region.

Later, as a result of military unrest, the economic development of the region came to a halt. The reason was the Polish military campaign through the Makovnik estate in the years 1439-1444, 1471 and 1491-1492. As if that wasn't enough, the mercenary forces of the Spark, the robber fraternal groups and the general chaos in Hungary were operating here.

The Makovice manor began to prosper significantly again during the time of the Šeredy family. This managed to obtain from King Ferdinand the privilege of organizing weekly markets and two annual fairs for the town of Kurima. Settling with a predominantly Ruthenian population began again.

In 1601, Žigmund Rákoczi bought the Makovnice estate together with the castle for 80,000 ducats. Despite the estate uprisings, the Rákocz family supported the development of crafts. Shoemakers, weavers and furriers began to join guilds. In 1675, it was created through weavers. After the failed uprising of František Rákoczi II. however, the estate was divided between Count Aspremont, the Szirmy family and the Erdöy family.

A modest and kind man who, in his free time, tries to preserve cultural and historical monuments in Slovakia, touched us all. We did not expect such a nice welcome at the castle. We climbed the ruins and explored every corner of the castle. Despite the fact that it is a ruin, the civic association is trying to preserve what we can see and, in cooperation with preservationists, gradually complete the destroyed walls. Despite the fact that the state's assistance is minimal, they achieved really great things, for which the civic association deserves a lot of thanks.

When we had gone through everything we could and were slowly starting to leave, he was waiting for us at the entrance gate. The wind started blowing, it was quite cold. The gentleman from the civic association offered us coffee and tea he had in a thermos to warm us up a bit. It suited us. I wish there were more such smart, passionate and modest people. We would certainly live better in the world.

This gentleman also recommended us to stop down in the village. At one time, there were three mansions in it. We said goodbye to him and headed towards the village.

Currently, we can see the reconstructed Šerédy manor in the village of Zborov. It is named after Gašpar Šerédy, who for his merits received from King Ferdinand II. Stropkovské, Pezinské, Svätojurské and Makovické manors. In addition to rebuilding Zborov Castle into a massive fortress, he also built this mansion in the village below the castle. There were gardens and outbuildings around the manor house.

There was one more manor house in the village called Rákocziovský. It was separated from the Šerédiovský manor by a park in which František I. Rákoczi had an avenue of trees planted with 100 lime trees. Rákoczi often walked and rested here.

Today you won't find this alley anymore. In 1922, the last 22 lime trees were cut down. They were used for heating. It's a shame, because in 1935 Hungarians here botanist discovered a specific type of linden which he named Lipa Rákoczi.

Our journey today is coming to an end. As I look at this post, I have to say that I have explained myself properly.

Thank you and I wish you a nice day and many beautiful experiences.