The castle ruins, looming on top of the 70-m (230-ft) rock above the small town of Beckov, provide a truly unforgettable sight. The structure was built at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries as a link in the chain of Hungarian fortifications stretching along the Váh river valley. In the 14th century the owner of Beckov was a powerful warlord, Matúš Čák. Later the castle – converted into a Gothic and Renaissance residence – was owned by the Stibor and Bánffy families. In 1729 the fortress burned down and was never rebuilt. Now the most impressive part is the upper castle with its grand rectangular tower. There are also ruins of two palaces and a chapel.