The conspicuous remnants of Čachtice Castle stand on a rocky hill (375 m/1,230 ft) between the towns of Čachtice and Višňové, offering a magnificent view of the surrounding area – the Small Carpathians and the Myjava Plateau. This fortified stronghold, whose construction was started in the first half of the 13th century, was part of the defence system that guarded the western border of the Hungarian Kingdom. Over the following centuries the most famous person associated with Čachtice was the “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Báthory, wife of the district chief and Hungarian army captain, Ferenc Nádasdy. In 1585–1610 she ordered over 600 young girls to be murdered in the castle, allegedly to obtain their blood, which she used to maintain her youth. The investigations confirmed the charges and Elizabeth was imprisoned for the rest of her life within the walls of her residence. In 1708 the castle was captured and from then on it began to fall into ruin.