At the beginning of summer holidays, legendary Čachtice Castle opens it gates wide to commemorate the arrival of Saints Cyril and Methodius to nowadays Slovakia. All lovers of castles, history, tales and legends will have four days to celebrate it in the castle above the village of Čachtice, famous especially for sadly known Blood Countess Elisabeth Báthory.
The event is dedicated to an important anniversary, as we commemorate the 1155th anniversary of the arrival of Constantine and Methodius to Great Moravia. Brothers Constantine and Methodius travelled from Byzantine Empire to the territory of Great Moravian Empire in 863 to promote their translation of the Bible into the Old Slavonic language. It became the fourth Western Christian liturgical language in the world after Latin, Greek and Hebrew in 867.
A four-digit anniversary deserves a four-day celebration. To appreciate the importance of the Byzantine mission, Cyril-Methodian celebrations at the castle will start on the public holiday dedicated to both Saints and will last until the end of the week, Thursday July the 5th to Sunday the 8th.
Discover the secrets of jewel-making, and experience artistry of other old crafts masters. Knights from Vir Fortis historical group from Zvolen will provide period entertainment. Children will enjoy various attractions and all of you will be pleased by local farm delicacies. There will be enough time for plays and competitions. And a greffier will come to present his works and you can also try to get involved into coinage.
If you would like to go for a trip, but cannot decide what to visit, make your way to Čachtice, a place full of stories, heritage and traditions. Enjoy the programme this special event will offer and have a nice time with your family and friends in beautiful surroundings.
The wealthiest and most powerful women of her time in the Kingdon of Hungary, the “Čachtice Lady” was a member of the noble House of Báthory who were princes of Transylvania, one of the most powerful Protestant families in this part of Europe. Báthory by birth, Elizabeth married Count Ferenc Nádasdy, a famous military commander in fights against the Ottoman Turks called the Black Knight of Hungary for his bravery, great courage, but also extreme cruelty and much respected also in the Ottoman army. After the death of a popular soldier who would go on to lead the armies of Hungary against Ottoman forces threatening Central Europe, his wife became the largest estates owner in country at the time. She is considered to be the world's worst female serial killer baceause of punishing and torturing of innocent girls as well as murdering them. The number of victims vary from dozens to over 650. A legend has it the Palatine Thurzo caught Báthory in the act. Being so influental, she was kept from facing trial. Elisabeth Báthory was imprisoned for life in the Čachtice Castle for her crimes. She had lived isolated on the castle until her death in 1614.
Infamous Čachtice Bloody Lady is still present in the area. In Čachtice, a larger than life-size wooden statue of the Countess is located on the main square of the village. A copy of the dress of Elisabeth Báthory made later by hands according to her preserved and also most known portrait can be seen in Draskovich Mansion. Also, red wine from Čachtice produced by local Agricultural Cooperative Farm is named after Elizabeth. If you dare, try the unique Báthory's Blood.
Web: The Čachtice Castle
