[1] Orava Castle stands on the site of an old wooden fortification, built after the Mongol invasion of Hungary of 1241.

The original design was in Romanesque and Gothic style; it was later reconstructed as a Renaissance and Neo-Gothic structure, hugging the shape of the 520-metre spur on which it perches.

The mining magnates Thurzo family, who took charge in the mid-16th century, were responsible for a great deal of rebuilding work, although its present form was not finalised until 1611.

The natural rock formation known as "castle cliff" – a limy spur 112 meters (367 ft) high, surrounded by the river Orava and its right tributary stream Račová [sk] – has been inhabited since primeval times.

During its history a wooden rampart became a strong walled castle of which the first written record dates back to 1267.

A tetrahedral multi-story tower was built here in the 14th century, probably on older foundations, as a donjon – the place of "last defense" within the castle.

After 1474, King Matthias Corvinus gave orders to build a square and a residence-wing in the Middle Castle.

In the years 1539 to 1543 John of Dubovec built a five-story palace in the empty space between the tower and the stone wall of the Upper Castle.

After the death of John of Dubovec, his heirs quarreled over the inheritance and the situation became so bad that the castle even became a store-house.

One of the most well-known features is the Renaissance grave tomb of György Thurzó from the beginning of the 17th century and the Baroque altar from 1751–1752.