Betliar Manor House
Košice Region
Betliar Manor House, located in the village of Betliar in the Košice Region of Slovakia, is a significant cultural monument dating back to the early 18th century. Built on the foundations of a 15th-century Renaissance castle originally owned by the Bebek family, the manor was extensively rebuilt by the Andrássy family, who transformed it into a French-style hunting residence by the late 19th century. The manor is distinguished by its preserved historical architecture, including four corner towers from its original fortified design. Inside, it houses a rich collection of 18th and 19th-century artworks, rare furniture, and an extensive library of scientific literature established by Leopold Andrássy. The surrounding park, covering approximately 80 hectares, is the largest historic park in Slovakia and features rare exotic trees, garden pavilions, grottos, and the notable Roman waterfall, the tallest artificial waterfall in Slovakia. Today, the manor serves as a branch of the Slovak National Museum, offering visitors insight into aristocratic life and cultural heritage in the region. It was declared a national cultural monument in 1985 and remains one of southeastern Slovakia's most visited historical sites.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during spring to autumn when the park and gardens are at their most vibrant. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid long waits. The manor offers guided tours which provide detailed historical context and access to the art collections. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The site is accessible by car and public transport from Rožňava, located 7 km south of Betliar.
Interesting facts
- •The Roman waterfall in the park, designed in 1823 by Josef Bergmann, is the tallest artificial waterfall in Slovakia at 9 meters high.
- •The manor's library contains about 15,000 volumes, primarily scientific literature from the 18th and 19th centuries.
- •The manor was built on the site of a 15th-century Renaissance castle belonging to the Bebek family.
- •The park surrounding the manor spans approximately 80 hectares, making it the largest historic park in Slovakia.
- •The manor houses an extensive collection of 19th-century realist paintings and exotic hunting trophies collected by the Andrássy family.
History
The site of Betliar Manor originated as a Renaissance castle owned by the Bebek family in the 15th century.
In the early 18th century, Štefan Andrássy constructed the manor house on these foundations as a fortified residence with four corner towers.
Subsequent expansions occurred between 1792 and 1795, and a major renovation from 1880 to 1886 gave the manor its current French hunting lodge style.
The Andrássy family, prominent landowners and mine operators in the region, filled the manor with valuable art, hunting trophies, and a distinguished library.
The surrounding park was developed from the late 18th century onward, evolving into Slovakia's largest historic park.
In 1985, the manor and park were designated a national cultural monument, preserving the site as a testament to regional aristocratic history.
Place Guide
Main Manor House18th century, major renovation 1880–1886
The central building of Betliar Manor, showcasing French hunting lodge architecture with four corner towers, richly furnished with period furniture and art collections including 19th-century realist paintings.
Historic Library1792–1795
Located within the manor, this library was established by Leopold Andrássy in the late 18th century and contains a significant collection of scientific literature from the 18th and 19th centuries.
English-style ParkLate 18th century onwards
The expansive 80-hectare park surrounding the manor features rare exotic trees, garden pavilions, grottos, water features, and walking paths, offering a serene natural environment and historical landscaping.
Roman Waterfall1823
A 9-meter high artificial waterfall designed by Josef Bergmann in 1823, considered Slovakia's first romantic architectural feature and the tallest artificial waterfall in the country.
Contact
Phone: 0918 728 400
