If you have ever traveled by car in the direction of Martin, you have certainly seen the ruins of Sklabiňa Castle in the distance, just near the picturesque village Sklabinský Podzamok. The ruins of the castle are situated on the hill of a wooded conical hill directly above the village.

The castle was built in the middle of the 13th century in the old hillfort. It used to be a royal castle and seat of Turčianska County. In 1436, the castle was hit by a devastating fire. The castle was subsequently repaired and rebuilt several times.

The dominant of the castle complex was a huge prismatic tower, situated on the highest point of the castle. At the beginning of the 17th century a comfortable Renaissance mansion grew up in the bailey. At the end of 1944 the Germans blew up the mansion during the military action and burned it together with the Sklabinský Podzámok.

To date, a significant part of the masonry of the chapel with Gothic vaults, parts of the tower and palaces, farm buildings, fortifications, bastions and mansions have been preserved. Sklabiňa Castle is very well and easily accessible. It can even be accessed by car. Those who want a light and short walk can walk directly from the village.

The castle also includes a private museum, which can be visited and, thus, visitors can get acquainted with the history of the castle and its owners. The castle also hosts annual castle festivities.