The ruins of the Považský Castle rise on a steep rock on the right bank of the Váh River above the center of Považská Bystrica.

The Považský Castle was also called Bystrica Castle or Bystrický Castle. It was built in the 12th century to protect an important trading road of Považie region. In 1458, King Matthias donated the castle to the Podmanický family. The Podmanický family repaired and extended the castle.

Other owners, members of Balassa family, made further repairs of the castle and other buildings. Despite the reconstruction in 1631, they left the uncomfortable castle and moved to a new, Renaissance chateau below the castle. For fear of the castle becoming a seat of the rebels, the Emperor had it destroyed in 1698.

You can get to the castle from the village of Považské Podhradie. You can park in the village in front of the church or higher in front of the mansion. The path leads up to the manor house and is approximately 700 m long. It is marked with yellow tourist signs and there are also information boards of the educational trail.

From the castle, there is a beautiful view of the surrounding nature and the entire Považské Podhradie and the Váh River. Považský Castle is under reconstruction, on the pedestals, there are information about the castle and the place where you are.