Kapušany: Castle, culture and nature

Kapušany brings together several distinct interests for visitors: Kapušiansky hrad Castle, with its architectural features and paths to the castle hill; the history of St. Martin’s Church; and the amenities at Park svätých Cyrila a Metoda. The castle’s setting in a protected landscape adds to these cultural attractions. When planning your stay, you can decide whether the castle, local history, nature or sports facilities will be your main focus.

Kapušiansky hrad Castle: grounds, activities and paths

The ruins of Kapušiansky hrad Castle are a national cultural monument. Its layout is predominantly rectangular, and the complex includes an upper castle and an outer ward. The grounds are open to the public, and admission is free. As access conditions may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Activities at the castle include guided tours, archery and coin minting. The program also features blacksmithing and pottery demonstrations, as well as tastings of medieval cuisine specialties. Activities may vary by season or event. At Kapušiansky hrad, a guided ascent over the castle hill also passes eight stations. Interactive features may depend on local maintenance and availability.

There are different accounts of the walking routes to the castle, each referring to a separate path. A green-marked path leads from Kapušany railway station to the castle and is 2.3 kilometers long; check the route details locally before setting out. There are also two route options to the castle: one is longer and less challenging, while the other is shorter and more challenging. Trail conditions may change seasonally. The two options can be compared by their length and difficulty.

Castle and protected landscape

Kapušiansky hrad Castle stands at an elevation of 504 meters in the Kapušiansky hradný vrch nature reserve. The 18.1-hectare area is a significant botanical site on volcanic rocks. The castle is also within the Natura 2000 site SKUEVO322 Fintické svahy. Rare animal species of European significance and rare plant species are found there. The site thus combines a cultural monument with a landscape of botanical and conservation interest.

Church and local history

St. Martin’s Church (Kostol sv. Martina) is a national cultural monument in the center of Kapušany. Built in the Neoclassical style, it incorporates remains of an older church. The new church was solemnly consecrated on November 2, 1798, the feast day of Saint Martin, and dedicated to the saint.

A 2023 municipal publication locates the information boards for the “Velikáni kapušianskych dejín” educational trail in Park svätých Cyrila a Metoda. The boards cover selected important figures from Kapušany’s history and significant places in the municipality, including the castle, church and manor house. Features mentioned there include ergonomic games, such as memory games and puzzles, for children and people with disabilities.

Park, sports and travel

Park svätých Cyrila a Metoda has a covered park amphitheater with seating for 1,000 visitors. It also has an asphalt sports court with artificial lighting. The court is used for basketball, tennis and soccer, and in winter for ice skating and ice hockey. The park’s cultural and sports facilities can therefore be considered as separate focal points when planning your trip.

Kapušany has good bus connections, and it is also possible to travel by train. As timetables may change, check the connection for your travel date. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, the castle, local history and the park’s range of amenities can help you decide which aspects of the trip interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Veľký Šariš, Ľubotice, Prešov, Hermanovce, Trnkov, Fričovce

For the overview of the wider area, see: Prešov.