The layout of the Second courtyard received its current contours in the middle of the 17^th century, during the Baroque rebuilding by Paul Pálffy. In connection with the Thurzó Renaissance rebuilding and the expansion of the living quarters, new residential wings were built, the so-called kitchen wing and the Hunyadi wing, which laid the foundation for the creation of the First and Second courtyards. A Baroque chapel was built and consecrated on the eastern side. On its western side, the Equestrian Stairs were added, built directly on the travertine bedrock, in the place where the original entrance to the Middle Castle was located.