Lietava Castle ruins are located 10 km from the regional town of Žilina on the steep ridge between Lietava and Lietavská Svinná.

The castle of Lietava was probably built by someone from the Balassa family. At the beginning of the 14th century, Matthew Csák seized the castle, but after his death in 1321, the castle was occupied by king Charles Robert and the castle was returned to Balassa family. The castle has changed owners several times over the centuries and has been rebuilt many times too.

Since the mid-18th century, the castle has been abandoned and in 250 years of deterioration the monument has fallen in a state of disrepair.

At present, the ruins of the Lietava Castle are home to the Lietava Castle Rescue Association. Since 2003, the association has been gradually eliminating the disrepair of the monument and every year, the castle is safer and more interesting for visitors.

The reconstructed premises include a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the Lietava Castle, archaeological finds and firearms. In 2018, exposure was enhanced by tactile exposure. You can catch all the exhibits in your hand.

There are marked hiking trails from the surrounding villages leading to the castle. The easiest approach is from Lietava, its part called Majer, on foot along the walkaway for about 30 minutes. The more demanding approach is from the Lietavská Svinná on a steep sidewalk for about 45 min.