The main attraction in the city of Zvolen is undoubtedly its superb castle built in 1370-82 by Louis I, king of Hungary. Very different from the castles of the time, it looks more like an Italian residence. In the 15C-16C, Jan Thurzo added fortifications, and in 1548 the castle was raised by one level and an attic installed. Today it houses the extraordinary art collections of the Slovak National Gallery.