Divín: Castle, Zichy Chateau and Ružiná Reservoir

Divín combines fortified history with a varied landscape. The townscape includes Divín Castle, the Renaissance Zichy Chateau, historic churches and the Chapel of Saint Anne. At the same time, the scenery extends to Ružiná Reservoir, Mount Javor and marked trails. Those looking for accommodation in Divín will find a place where culture, local history and activities on the water can be combined in a single stay.

Castle and Zichy Chateau as historical highlights

The history of the castle is closely linked to the fortifications of the 16th century. In 1559, the Hungarian Diet ordered Divín Castle to be repaired and converted into a fortress against the Ottomans. Another chapter began in 1670: Imrich III Balassa had the Renaissance Zichy Chateau built in Divín at that time. The fortified chateau has an approximately square floor plan and four corner bastions.

The courtyard of Zichy Chateau is used for various cultural and social events. The chateau also houses the Museum of the History of Divín. The tour is accompanied by a guide and includes short animations about Divín Castle in the 17th century and Zichy Chateau at the beginning of the 18th century. The permanent exhibitions cover, among other things, the castle, the history of the chateau, local history, national cultural monuments, the nature of Divín and its surroundings, hunting trophies, tile art and mining. Workshop exhibitions focus on local pottery, woodcarving, stonemasonry and blacksmithing.

Churches, chapel and visible local history

The religious buildings also add to the historic character. In 1657, the nave of the original Gothic Church of All Saints was extended. The entire church grounds were also given a defensive wall and inward-facing corner bastions. The Chapel of Saint Anne stands in the cemetery on the southern side of the castle hill below the castle ruins, directly in front of the former castle gate.

The chapel received indulgences in 1780; indulgence celebrations are still held there every year, usually on the weekend closest to Saint Anne’s name day. Inside are a Rococo altar with an oil painting of Joachim and Anne and a vaulted fresco on the theme of “Regnum Marianum”. It depicts Saint Stephen presenting the crown of kingship to the Virgin Mary. Next to the church stands the Baroque vicarage, known above all for the sundial with a chronogram on its façade. This sundial was installed in 1761.

Ružiná Reservoir, Javor and trails

Ružiná Reservoir lies within the cadastral areas of Divín and Ružiná and is used for sport and recreation. It is designated as a fishing ground for non-trout waters and serves as a breeding site for many protected waterbird species. In the surroundings of Divín, holidaymakers can rent boats, windsurfing boards and other sports equipment at the reservoir.

The cadastral area of Divín also includes Mount Javor. At 821 m above sea level, it is the highest mountain in the Lučenec District. For an excursion to the castle, a red-marked hiking trail leads from Divín to Divín Castle; an additional circular trail runs around the castle. From the hill on which the castle stands, there are views of nearby Ružiná Reservoir and the surrounding countryside.

Orientation and further destinations

A tourist information centre has been established in a historic building next to Zichy Chateau. It has been complemented by a bicycle and electric bicycle rental service, providing another way to explore the surrounding area under your own power. Other places in the Lučenec District: Píla, Radzovce, Čakanovce, Rapovce, Bulhary, Gregorova Vieska, Dobroč and Tuhár.

To the broader travel overview: Lučenec District.

More travel destinations

More places within the same destination:

Gregorova Vieska.