Oponice: Castle, Library and Park

Oponice appeals to travelers interested in cultural history and scenic destinations. Its varied attractions include the ruins of Oponický Castle, the Apponyi Library in the Apponyi family castle, the park belonging to the castle grounds, and the Church of St. Peter and Paul. When planning your trip, the main consideration is which of these themes you want to focus on and whether you want to include the walk to the castle.

Oponický Castle and Nature Trail

Oponický Castle was built in the 13th century and is now a ruin. A nature trail leads from Oponice to the castle; the route is about 2.5 kilometers long and takes roughly an hour on foot. These approximate details can help you plan the walk as a separate activity. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views from the ruins.

Apponyi Library in the Family Castle

Another highlight is the Apponyi Library. It was founded in Vienna in 1774 and later moved to the Apponyi family castle in Oponice. Its rare works include writings by Machiavelli, Petrarch, Galileo Galilei, Leonardo da Vinci, Dumas and Balzac. The sequence of its founding in Vienna and later move to Oponice gives the library its own local history and sets it apart from the castle as a walking destination. The library is open to visitors year-round; admission is charged. Check the current visiting conditions before your visit.

For planning your day, the two cultural attractions mainly differ in how you visit them: an approximately one-hour walk leads to the castle ruins, while the library requires paid admission and is open year-round. This lets you decide whether you would rather make a walk or a visit requiring admission a fixed part of your plans.

Oponice Park in the Castle Grounds

Oponice Park is an English park covering just under seven hectares and forms part of the castle grounds. It features rare trees and specimen trees, a fountain, and sand tennis courts. If you value a park as well as buildings and collections when choosing a destination, you can take this scenic highlight into account.

Church of St. Peter and Paul

The present-day Neoclassical Church of St. Peter and Paul was built in 1793. It houses a rare single-manual organ made by master organ builder Ján Šaško in 1869. Two different historical dates are therefore associated with the church: 1793 dates the present-day building, and 1869 the organ. For those interested in culture, the instrument adds a musical-history point of interest to the building’s history.

Apponyi Hunting Museum

The Apponyi Hunting Museum in Oponice displays hunting trophies, aircraft wreckage from the Tribeč Mountains, and travel trunks belonging to the American Thomas Cardéz, who became known for a voyage aboard the TITANIC. The exhibits offer a different focus from the library’s books or the church’s organ: they bring together hunting, aircraft wreckage and travel history. As exhibition details may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

Getting There by Regional Bus

Oponice can be reached by regional bus from Nitra or Topoľčany; the nearest stop is called “Oponice, námestie.” If you plan to travel by bus, check the timetable for your travel date. This will help you include the journey in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Kamanová, Ludanice, Radošina, Prasice, Orešany, Chrabrany, Veľké Ripňany, Svrbice.

See the overview of the wider area: Topoľčany District.