History
Explore the history of Orlové Manor with us. Discover an overview of the estate’s development from its origins through later reconstructions. Follow the individual stages that shaped this noble residence and uncover the historical context that accompanied it through the centuries.
Construction of the Manor House
The origins of Orlové Manor are closely linked to the history of Považský Castle and other noble residences in Považské Podhradie. As Považský Castle was uncomfortable for everyday living, Sigmund III Ballaša commissioned the construction of a manor house on one of his hereditary estates of the Považská Bystrica domain at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. It was built on a gentle slope above the then village of Orlové and was known as curia Sigmond Haza, later rebuilt into a manor referred to as castellum Zigmonháza. Through its extension and expansion, a new noble residence of the Ballaša family was created.
Baroque Reconstruction
After Sigmund Ballaša, the residence passed to his descendants, but due to strained family relations, no one made a serious effort to restore it. It was not until his grandson, Paul II Ballaša, that a decisive reconstruction and expansion of the manor took place. The building works introduced new representative spaces, an arcaded courtyard with a central fountain, a modernized salla terrena, and a landscaped park with a linden-lined avenue, an orchard, and service facilities. In the first third of the 18th century, a magnificent two-storey Baroque residence emerged, defining the character of the estate for generations to come.
The End of the Ballaša Family
After the death of Paul II Ballaša, the manor passed within the family to other members, but by the 19th century the Ballaša ownership came to an end. During the period of emerging capitalism, the estate changed its character and part of the property passed into the hands of large landowners, who used the surrounding area primarily for economic purposes. In Orlové, a modern steam-powered sawmill was established in 1878, providing employment for dozens of people. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the manor changed hands several times, owned by both noble families and entrepreneurs, reflecting the shifting social and economic conditions of the Kingdom of Hungary and later Czechoslovakia.
Nationalization of the Building
The last private owner was Ing. Klement Ružička, director of the Brno Arms Factory, who sought to protect the historical value of the building. After the Second World War, the property was nationalized and placed under state administration. From 1952, the manor was taken over by Považské strojárne (K. Gottwald Works), which planned to use the premises as a dormitory for employees. This required significant construction work and adaptations to the historic interior. After years of deterioration, the building was restored and opened in 1984 as the Regional History Museum.
The Manor Today
The proud owner is EUROCOM & Co., s. r. o., part of Gino Holding, which carried out a comprehensive reconstruction between 2014 and 2016 with great sensitivity and respect for the site’s history. Today, the manor presents itself as Hotel Gino Park Palace – a place where a noble historical atmosphere harmoniously blends with modern luxury. Authentic interiors with subtle Baroque elements create an exceptional setting for discerning guests from around the world and have made the manor a sought-after destination for weddings, conferences, and major social events.