Podhradie: Castle and Trails in the Považský Inovec

Podhradie lies on the eastern edge of the Považský Inovec, above the upper reaches of the Slivnica. Topoľčiansky Castle, trails through the countryside and a small Natura 2000 site give the village several sides. Trip planning here can take many different forms, from a short walk to the castle to longer hikes in the mountains.

Topoľčiansky Castle: History and Views

The oldest phase of the castle dates back to the third quarter of the 13th century. Today, you can still climb the tower. From the top, views stretch across the Nitra Valley to the ridges of Tríbeč and Vtáčnik, as well as the Považský Inovec.

Part of a ground-level room with a Renaissance brick floor has survived from the castle chapel. A window in a massive niche also remains in the former chapel; its lower section has been bricked up. After the owners abandoned the castle in the 18th century, the chapel served as the parish church for the inhabitants of Podhradie. Details like these tell the story of the castle site’s long use without reducing its architecture to a single building phase.

From a Short Castle Walk to Longer Hiking Routes

A nature trail leads from Podhradie to the castle; the walk takes no more than ten minutes. The Považský Inovec nature trail, which passes through Podhradie, offers a very different scale. It is self-guided, open year-round and linear. Including the branches through the municipalities, it is about 60 kilometres long and has a moderate to high level of difficulty. This means that a short approach to the castle and an extensive network of trails are both available to suit different schedules and hiking plans.

You can also begin a climb to Panská Javorina in Podhradie. The route first follows a blue-marked trail through the village, then a yellow-marked trail to the Chatová oblasti Dolné Zľavy and onward to the Jamka saddle, where it meets a green-marked trail. A 16-metre-high observation tower with three floors stands on Panská Javorina. Check trail conditions and markings before setting out, as conditions can change.

Protected Nature and Traces of Local History

The Natura 2000 site Vinište (SKUEV0021) lies within the cadastral area of Podhradie. It covers 5.80 hectares and is protected at level 3 to safeguard stands of common juniper. Above the former settlement of Hrnovce, from which Podhradie later developed, there is a limestone-dolomite rock formation.

Historical activities in Podhradie included farming, weaving, lime burning and making wooden implements. They add a picture of daily life and work in the village to the castle’s history. Visible remains of the original fortifications and an earth rampart survive in nearby Úhrad. From there, you can enjoy views of Topoľčiansky Castle and its surroundings.

Getting Around

A regional bus service connects Topoľčany and Podhradie. The bus stop is just below the castle, next to the church. Free parking is available beside the castle church. If you plan to travel by bus, it is a good idea to check the timetable before planning your journey.

Discover more destinations: Chrabrany, Solčany, Veľké Ripňany, Biskupová, Šalgovce, Čermany, Dvorany Nad Nitrou, Lužany.

Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Topoľčany.