a noble warrior and diplomat serving to Charles I of Hungary. Under the influence of his journey to France, Doncs built a significant extension in the Lower Castle and ordered a Gothic modernization. During that phase a four-storey tower was added to the entrance gate of the Upper Castle. A palace, a water tank, a terraced courtyard and other newly constructed buildings in the northern panhandle of Pustý hrad formed what is now known as Doncs' Castle. The castle lost its importance in the 15th century, the period of military conflicts between John Hunyadi and John Jiskra of Brandýs. Pustý hrad was ruined by fire during a siege in 1452, probably burnt down by John Hunyadi's troops. The last building constructed on the site was a watchtower erected in the second half of the 16th century. Systematic excavations have been conducted since 1992. Some parts of the castle have been recently reconstructed and the site is easily accessible from Zvolen. Gallery External links *Short description and access Satellite view of Pustý hrad History of the castle Information about history and archaeology, new picture Castles in Slovakia Ruined castles in Slovakia Archaeological sites in Slovakia Former populated places in Slovakia Buildings and structures in Zvolen