# Čičava Castle

- **Country:** Slovakia
- **Coordinates:** 48.914390, 21.738412
- **Location Text:** Čičava

Čičava Castle, also known as Čičva, stands as a historic medieval ruin located in the village of Sedliská within the Prešov Region of Slovakia. Originally constructed between 1309 and 1316 by the sons of the nobleman Reynold Básztély, the fortress was built on estates granted by King Stephen V of Hungary to reward loyal military service. The site first appears in written records in 1316, documenting a fierce defense against rebels during an uprising against Charles I of Hungary. This early conflict resulted in significant casualties among the garrison, including the castellan Nicholas Peres, who lost an arm while successfully repelling the attack. The castle subsequently became a key stronghold for the powerful Rozgonyi family throughout the medieval period.

Beyond its military origins, the castle holds a unique place in cultural history due to its association with the infamous Book of Lies and Liars, maintained during the 16th and 17th centuries. This register documented outrageous falsehoods and the names of those who told them, giving rise to the enduring Slovak expression that a lie should be entered in the Čičava Book. Today, the site is recognized as a protected cultural monument, a status it has held since 1963. While it remains primarily in a ruined state, recent efforts have focused on preserving its legacy. In 2024, extensive renovation work began on the castle walls under a state-funded project, aiming to stabilize the structure and ensure its survival for future generations.

![Photo of Čičava Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/Hrad_%C4%8Ci%C4%8Dva_029.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Čičava_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)