Lost in Translation
Looking for meanings in words, images and sounds
Thursday’s Special: Traces of the Past 02
Standing on a 200 m high dolomite rock at the elevation of 634 m in the Spiš region of Slovakia Spiš castle (Spišský hrad) is one of the biggest European castles whose land area covers 41,426 m².
First built in the 12th century in Romanesque style at the site of an earlier hrad (hrad is Slovakian word for castle), Spiš Castle was the political, administrative, economic and cultural centre of Szepes County of the Kingdom of Hungary until 1464. In the 13th century a two-story Romanesque palace and a three-nave Romanesque-Gothic basilica were added, and in the 14th century a second extramural settlement was built which doubled the castle area. In the 15th century while still in the possession of the Kings of Hungary the castle was entirely rebuilt and a late Gothic chapel was constructed. Three family clans took possession of the castle afterwards; the first being the Zápolya family (until 1528), which is really Zapolja family from Požega County of Croatia (imagine my surprise when I found that it had been once owned by a Croatian family), then by the Thurzó family (1531–1635), and the Csáky family (1638–1945). In 1945 the castle came into possession of the state of Czechoslovakia and as of 1993 after the split between the Czech Republic and Slovakia the castle’s owner is the state of Slovakia.
In 1780 the castle burned down. There are several theories about its unfortunate destiny that led to its abandonment. One of them says that the Csáky family purposely burned it down to reduce taxes, another theory says that it was struck by lightning, and some guesses are that some soldiers there were making moonshine and managed to burn the castle.
Whatever the case, after the fire, the castle was abandoned and gradually fell into dilapidation.
This is the second in the series of posts themed “Traces of the past”. In this series I am posting photos of structures belonging to different periods and countries. You are invited to join me and to interpret the theme as freely as you want. This challenge will appear again in August, and every other month after that. Waiting for your entries I wish you a glorious Thursday…
Don’t forget to click on the titles bellow to see participating posts:
The Kaiwharawhara Magazine building
The Leaning Tower of Bridgnorth
The Irresistible Lure of Venice
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
Lost in Translation 
Hola Paula. Excellent theme: Traces of the past.
(I see arson was already a “technique”!)
Tout va bien chez toi?
🙂
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Tout va bien, Brian. Et ton voyage a Paris s’est bien passe? Me alegra que te guste el tema de mi reto 😀 Besos
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Paris? Pas encore… On part le 3 Juillet. Une semaine á Londres, puis Paris, un week-end á Lyon á voir la famille, et retour á Paris. Jusqu’au 15 Août! Yes!
Et toi? plans de voyage pour cet été?
Besos
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Aussi en juillet, on les passera sur une ile en Adriatique 🙂 et puis en octobre on ira au Pays Basque.
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Pingback: thursday’s special: traces of the past 02 | A Meditative Journey with Saldage
Wonderful photo as always.
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Thanks, Alex. That was shot during my summer holiday last year. It was challenging to find an hour or two without rain to visit the interesting spots, and I am always afraid that my camera will get too much rain.
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If anyone could, it was you 🙂
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I love the idea of this series, and the fact that you are systematic about it. The photo has wonderful layers, and I like your history of place, especially the fact that the stories about its burning don’t agree. That’s history!
My post about my daughter’s yard could almost qualify as fitting the traces of the past theme https://morselsandscraps3.wordpress.com/2015/06/24/my-daughters-yard-in-photos/
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That kind of place certainly incites one’s imagination. A lovely collection of vegetation photographs, Meg. Here I chose to display the one I found the most relevant to this theme. Warmest regards, Paula
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Not quite to the theme. But I just discovered that the house used to be a miner’s hut and was moved to this block, and then presumably expanded. Even the jonquils are survivors from the past, definitely not planted by my daughter.
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Thanks for including something that wasn’t written especially to theme.
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You’re welcome Meg.
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This is an interesting post Paula. I hope you are going to show us a little more of the castle.
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The view from the castle/ruin is breathtaking, but it is not what you think it is. It is a ruin: no rooms or furniture, but I loved it!
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Pingback: Thursday’s Special: Traces of the Past. Norway – Værnes Church c 1085 | Something to Ponder About
What a vantage point the soldiers at the fortress/castle would have had. I love history so I enjoyed your post. This is a perfect challenge for me. Happy to join in. I have chosen a site in Northern Norway for my post. https://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/2015/06/25/norway/
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I am very glad to hear it is a perfect challenge for you. The church and information you presented is fascinating. I’m very grateful for your entry, Amanda.
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That was one huge castle, Paula! The scenery is breathtaking 🙂
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You are right on both accounts, Linda. Shame you haven’t listened to the music – it is what belongs to the area 😉 I appreciate your visit and the kind comment, dear.
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I did listen to the music and I love it! It’s lively and fun! 😀
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Thank you, Linda 🙂
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Paula, I love old castles and old villages and such from Europe because compared to us here in the States, they truly are old. Old and well seasoned but here a building a 100 years young is called old……so in that light here is my contribution to this Special. ~ John
http://daffodilhillphotography.com/2015/06/24/thursdays-special-traces-of-the-past-02/
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This is one of my favourite subjects to photograph, John and it is perfect for this challenge. I was torn between the two photos you posted. I wonder which of your two shots do you prefer. 🙂 Thank you again for this contribution.
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I love old barns but this house is small compared to the farm houses in the area. I think it may have been a tenant house or a farm-hand house. SO maybe I am torn between the two as well 🙂
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Did you think of shooting more of these barns?
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I want to do more of them and have in the past. Winter is the best time, or very early Spring , to take photos of barns. There is no foliage or farm equipment cluttering up the view.
Today a friend as for some barns in B&W so I am going to do a few from color to B&W and see how they look.
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How fun to open my reader and learn something new, Paula. Accompanied by beautiful photos is icing on the cake, thanks!
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Thank you very much, Lisa. It’s a world very far from the one you live in and it is my great pleasure to share.
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Tja, tja, who would say (about the owners).
http://lessywannagohome.blogspot.be/2015/06/thursdays-special-traces-of-past_25.html
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I don’t think I will ever visit Japan, so I appreciate this a lot. 🙂
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Pingback: Thursday’s Special: Traces of the past 2 | Middleton Road
Those walls are endless! Love the wistful music too, Paula. 🙂 Thank you for the history lesson. I just noticed the slideshow in your sidebar too. A fabulous reminder of all your work. 🙂 Have a good day!
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The music is based on the Hungarian folk dance czardas, so very fitting for this post. (you can always see details in the tags). Oh, the side bar only features my selected works 🙂 Happy Thursday!
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And what a selection 🙂 🙂 Trying to decide between a Nordic walk and the history group this morning. Greyish and strong threat of rain but I want to see the wild orchids. Maybe later as the walk is quite close and I can do it myself. Thursday hugs!
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I would pick wild orchids over history any time, and I would go by myself 😛
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In the rain 🙂 🙂
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Even so 😀
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Umbrella ready. Gentle rain 🙂 I’ve gone!
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Pingback: Skrik by Edvard Munch | artishorseshit
I like the view and it’s lovely scene/photo. I’ve also posted something view related. The place where Munch got his inspiration to paint Skrik (The Scream):
https://artishorseshit.wordpress.com/2015/06/25/skrik-by-edvard-munch/
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I appreciate it, Cardinal. I like your taste in art 🙂
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Thanks. There’s an exhibition with Munch & Van Gogh at the Munch Museum these days that I’m planning to see. I much prefer Van Gogh. Munch mostly painted a lot of shit.
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😀 Is it permissible to take photos of the exhibition?
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I’m not sure, but I can always sneak in a photo or two.
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Pingback: Thursday’s Special: Traces of the Past 02: Les Baux en Provence | Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist)
WOW unusual and mysterious place
It looks like a fortress in Klodzko
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I must check out that fortress in Klodzko. Do you have photos of it?
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I have, but I’d have to look because I was there two years ago. The fortress in Klodzko is more the city but also take a look at Silver Mountain Fortress This is the power
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Send me the link to your photos please 🙂
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Take a look at Wikipedia https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twierdza_Srebrnog%C3%B3rska and https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twierdza_K%C5%82odzko
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I don’t see similarities with Spiš, but it is look interesting nevertheless. Dziekuje, Luke.
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Each has its own charm
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Pingback: Capella d’en Marcús | Travel with Intent
So imposing, and seeing the modern town below, makes me wonder what it was like to live in times when the owners of this great castle ruled the roost. Thanks for this great glimpse of the past, Paula.
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I wondered the same thing, and I ask myself what it was like to live in the area for the peasants that had a view of this castle and privileged families that occupied it. It looks really imposing seen from the bottom of the hill. Thank you very much, Tish.
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Lovely shot as always Paula. I always like a good ruin – sometimes using your imagination gives a better view of the past than looking at something that has been renovated and retouched.
Here is my offering from the past: http://travelwithintent.com/2015/06/25/marcus-chapel-barcelona/
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You are right, Debbie in liking a good ruin. I wish there would be more people like you and I :D. I hate badly restored ruins. Your Marcus chapel is a gem. You have really had a thorough visit of Barcelona. Beautiful sunny star photo. Thank you very much.
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All your wonderful landscapes are giving me itchy feet and if it ever happens Slovakia is on my must see list. Traces from the past is a great theme and I’m off to look at some of the others. Mine is at
http://irenewaters19.com/2015/06/25/thursdays-special-traces-of-the-past-02-les-baux-en-provence/
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🙂 I am excited about contributions to this theme, Irene. 🙂 Thank you so much for your post of a village that has been on my wish list for ever. What a gallery!
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It is a great theme Paula. Thanks. 🙂
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Great shot of Spis castle.
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Thank you very much.
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Pingback: The Leaning Tower of…er…Bridgnorth? | Tish Farrell
I’ve got a castle too, Paula, though there’s not much left of mine:
http://tishfarrell.com/2015/06/25/the-leaning-tower-of-er-bridgnorth/
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Pingback: A Mermaid in a Church? | TRAVEL WORDS
Jo has encouraged me to post a link to my tale of the past so here it is: https://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2015/06/25/a-mermaid-in-a-church/ hope you like it!
I love exploring castles and priories and old sites. You can often feel the presence of those who went before you. Maybe that is why I enjoy living in a Medieval town 🙂
Jude xx
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Jude, thank you. Jo was right to give you a push and I am really honoured. This is an amazing find 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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While I’ve always loved castles, the stories about them and the people who occupied them are just as fascinating. Great photo and information. Thank you.
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Magnificent, Paula…
Your takes are so special!
I’ve posted two, today, from my recent travel to Rome….
A te la scelta!
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🙂 I chose the view – the less intimate one 😉 Grazie, Anna.
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Thanks to you , Paula!
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Were you able to listen to the music here?
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Not yet , but I’ll try again…..
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Let me know if it does not work for you and I’ll send you the mp3 tonight. I think it is worth listening 🙂
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It’ll tell you later , thanks again
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Sono riuscita!
Stupenda l’esecuzione di questo bellissimo pezzo,grazie!
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Grazie mille, Anna. E pieza di un compositore italiano, inspirata della danza popolore ungheresa czardas 🙂
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Excellent.
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Thank you, Rabirius.
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Pingback: Beyond the Brush
I enjoy visiting buildings such as this because I am always imagine the history and personal dramas that happened within it’s walls. Here is my contribution, Paula – https://lynneayersbeyondthebrush.wordpress.com/2015/06/25/9473/
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Thank you for your great share, Lynne. I’ve enjoyed your “baby history” and excellent captures 🙂
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Thank you for the history. I love history and old architecture. This was a real treat.
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Many thanks, Marilyn 🙂
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Pingback: Exploring the convict past | Memories are made of this
Fascinating, such an imposing fortress and so full of history. I like the theory of the soldiers and the moonshine burning it down. I bet they did a quick disappearing act….
Australia does not have a long history but I am showing you a part of the notorious convict past
https://memoriesaremadeofthisblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/26/exploring-the-convict-past/
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That’s a fascinating article Pomme. I had very little knowledge of convicts in Australia. A great read with awesome photos!
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Thanks Paula, yes without the input from the convicts I’m not sure that Australia would be the place it is today.
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A very interesting piece of history. Has the town at the bottom of the castle been there for as long a period of time? Even in decay, it remains an imposing structure.
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The area has been inhabited just as long in a different form. Thanks!
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Pingback: Thursday’s Special: Traces of the Past 02 | WordsVisual
Totally my theme, Paula! I have so many possible photos, but have gone for some I took within the last week – here is my belated contribution: http://suejudd.com/2015/06/26/thursdays-special-traces-of-the-past-02/
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Lovely view from below…
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Pingback: The Irresistible Lure of Venice | Jaspa's Journal
The whole city of Venice is a Trace of the Past, Paula: https://jaspasjourney.wordpress.com/2015/06/26/the-irresistible-lure-of-venice/
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Wonderful location, and photos that take me back 🙂 Thank you, Jaspa.
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Glad to be of service, Paula!
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😀
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When you look at you photo of the castle, the land and the town below, it looks so beautifully arranged that it is difficult to understand that this all grew up bit by bit over the generations.
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A very interesting observation 🙂 Thank you, Hilary.
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Pingback: Gallorus Oratory | Art and Life
That is a very imposing looking building Paula. It really dominates the landscape. Here’s my response to your challenge – I promise you this won’t get deleted.
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“of how the past creates the future until we go back and heal the pain of past sorrows” 🙂 This is quite a contribution, Suzanne. The mystery of Ireland keeps calling me to visit. What time of the year did you go there? Wonderful post in words and images!
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sorry – here’s the link: http://artifactsandfictions.com/2015/06/27/gallorus-oratory/
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Pingback: TheTwin Fishes Of Ayodhya | The Urge To Wander
Beautiful image and fascinating story! This theme is right up my alley Paula:
http://theurgetowander.com/2015/06/27/twin-fish-symbol/
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Thank you, Sri Madhu 🙂 What an amazing story/legend especially for Hindu and Korean. Thank you for the great collection of photos. I singled out one that you placed in the slideshow. When I noticed the link last night it was already very late. I hope you are sleeping now.
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Pingback: Jo’s Monday walk : Finchale Priory | restlessjo
Many thanks for the inclusion, Paula! 🙂 You have some great contributions here.
Hope you sleep soundly tonight 🙂
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Pingback: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch | Jaspa's Journal
Here’s a second contribution to this week’s challenge, Paula… As trace of the coming of the railway:
https://jaspasjourney.wordpress.com/2015/06/30/llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch/
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Very cool contribution, Jaspa. Thanks a lot.
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The castle has that classic medieval sprawling in a high hill look with the village just below. That is a beautiful shot.
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Pingback: Thursday’s Special: Traces of the Past Y2-01 | Lost in Translation