Slovenská Ľupča Castle is located on a hill 375m above sea level in the village of Slovenská upča, Slovakia. After the plundering invasion of the Tatars in 1241, only stone fortresses were left to defend against the invaders. Therefore, King Béla IV of Hungary decided to build defensive structures and castles in the mid-13th century. The castle was first mentioned in 1255 and became an important center during that time. During the 13th century, the castle was a regular residence of the kings during hunting trips in the surrounding forests. In 1258, 1263, 1265 and from 1267 to 1269, the castle became a temporary residence of the Hungarian kings. Monarchs who lived in the castle include Béla IV of Hungary, István V of Hungary, Ladislaus IV of Hungary, Andrew III of Hungary. In the 14th century, the castle was the residence of Hungarian kings. Charles I of Hungary, also known as Károly Róbert, visited the castle in November 1310 and 1340 and confirmed the city's privileges over Zvolenská Ľupča. Visits by his successor Lajos I of Hungary were more frequent. This is shown in the documents issued in Ľupča Castle during that period (1348, 1358, 1360 and 1361). In June 1443, a strong earthquake occurred which greatly damaged the castle. During the turbulent times of the early 17th and 18th centuries, the castle changed hands frequently and was repeatedly plundered. The castle gradually lost its function as an administrative center, and at one point it was destroyed by fire and then necessary repairs were carried out. From the early 19th century, the castle was used as an orphanage and then a school. Today the castle is used as a museum.