The history of Slovakia has always been inextricably linked with the history of its castles. They were economic and administrative centres, and served as seats of the feudal nobility who, through their subordinates, managed the lands pertaining to the castle. The first mention, in writing, of Lietava Castle comes from 1318, but it is safe to assume that the existence of the castle predates it by a long time. The first known holders of Lietava, which was royal property, were the Balassi family, who lost the castle to Matthew Csák of Trencsén. After his death Lietava passed back into royal hands...