Remains of the walls of extinct castle's tower on the rocky hill Hrádok (Bašta), directly in the village Podhradie, east of Martin
On a distinctive conical hill above the village, there used to be a small castle measuring approximately 50m x 50m with a round brick tower, typologically similar to the Živánska Tower in Jedľové Kostoľany. At present, an impressive foundation with a diameter of approximately 6 m and a width of walls up to 1 m has been preserved from this tower. The castle probably had another smaller building and an adjoining courtyard. It was probably surrounded by a palisade and fortified with a moat and rampart.Archaeological research from 2013 pointed to the absence of rubble. It is therefore likely that the tower, after it ceased to serve its purpose, was dismantled into building material.
- 1 - round stone tower
- 2 - courtyard
- 3 - moat with rampartSource: NEŠPOR J. Za tajomstvami zrúcanín II. Zrúcaniny Stredného Slovenska
Based on archaeological finds, it is possible to assume that the castle was probably built in the 15th century, at the time of the struggles with the brothers, with the owner of Sučiansky Castle, nobleman Pongrácz of Sv. Nicholas, who gained a significant position in Turiec after the death of King Albrecht.
In 1442 he owned Sučany and the surrounding property and before 1446 he arbitrarily built a castle here. Its main function was to guard the MAGNA VIA trade route, which passed in its immediate vicinity.
Despite the disagreement of the rightful owners, Pongrácz, in agreement with the governor Ján Hunyadi, obtained additional permission to build the fortress and consent for the castle to remain the property of his family. This agreement was also confirmed by King Ladislav Pohrobok.
The mentioned castle is often located in the Skala location in the literature, but there are no building remains. Therefore, it is more likely that the mentioned Pongrácz fortification stood on a rocky ridge in the village of Podhradie.
However, it is also possible that the castle was built by one of the less wealthy owners after the start or demolition of the older castle in the 14th century.
The castle probably disappeared in 1526, when it was occupied and damaged by the army of Ján Zápoľský. In the complaints of Marta Nyári about the injustices of the Révay family from 1554, the castle is no longer mentioned.
Archaeological research took place here in 2013, which pointed to the absence of rubble, which shows that the castle was dismantled and the material was probably used for the construction of other buildings.
There are no myths available.
The remains of the walls are freely accessible