Slovakia has one of the highest densities of castles of any European nation. Back in the days when it was still part of Czechoslovakia along with the Czech Republic, the Guiness Book of Records dubbed it the most castellated country in Europe. The need to build castles in Slovakia most likely sprung from the region's historial position on a borderland between frequently warring nation states. At various times throughout history today's Slovakia was under Moravian, Ottoman and Hungarian rule. The mountainous north of Slovakia would have in times gone by provided a strategic location for defensive fortifications.
Devin Castle
A castle tour of Slovakia shold begin in its capital, Bratislava. The only European country to sit on an international border, Bratislava was always somewhere that needed strong fortification and in its suburb of Devín there are records of a castle dating back to the 8th century. Today's fortress occupies a dramatic location on cliffs overlooking the confluence of the Moravia and Danube rivers: there's a 9th century church and a 15th century gatehouse among other ruins. The ruins at the western end of the complex are a little precarious and are sometimes closed in winter. Public transport serves Devín regularly: take bus 29 from under the New Bridge.
Trencin Castle
Trencín Castle with its distinctive pagoda-like roof is one of Slovakia's most photogenic, sprawling above the very pleasant medieval town of the same name. Its hill top setting has been occupied since long before the Mravian Empire but it is from this period, the 10th century, that its earliest surviving remains, a rotunda, date from. The opulently Gothic Barbara Palace, dating from the 11th century, occupies most of the site. Trencín is a lively town: many events take place at the castle throughout the year.
Bojnice Castle
With its twin domed parapets and turrets, it's not surprising that Bojnice is one of the country's most popular castles to visit. The castle design is based loosely on the Loire Valley castles of France, due to former owner John Pálffy. Most of what you see today daes from the 19th century although the original castle dates from some six centuries before that. Pálffy, a collector of fine artworks, tapestries and curios, is responsible for many of the elaborate furnishings and features the castle contains today. Not least of these is the castle's very own cave system below the foundations. Every May the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits takes place here and a much-visited museum is on-site too.
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Spis Castle
Spiš is one of Europe's largest castles with a hill top location as dramatic as any. It dates originally from the 12th century, with fortifications over the subsequent six hundred years. On a summer' day the stonework looks almost white, which adds to its majesty. Much of the castle is ruined but there is a largely in-tact palace, a museum and some eerie dungeons.
Orava Castle — Nosferatu Film Setting
Standing out on a rocky crag over 100 metres high ove the Orava River, this is one of the most spectacular castle settings in a country which specialises in them. Dating in part from the 13th century, it's not surprising the castle has stood in as a setting for films such as the 1922 version of Nosferatu.
Much of the castle is in a remarkable state of repair and includes a museum. Oravsky Podzamok is the nearest village.
Pajstun Castle
Pajštún is slightly different to the other castles mentioned here. Rather than being an icon of Slovakia as many of the country's more famous fortresses have become, Pajštún has remained elusive: ruined and concealed by woodland. The main attraction is the sinister and incredibly preserved series of gargoyles. It's above the village of Borinka, on the way to Brno in the Czech Republic. Expect scintillating views from the top.
Other Castles Slovakia Can Offer
The 16th century fortified town of Banská Bystrica was built largely by the Turks during the region's Ottoman era. Whilst the castle itself may not be overly impressive, the museum contained in the site's walls is among the county's best.
For a castle truly away from the beaten track, another less-known option is Kežmarok, high up in the delightful town of the same name in the High Tatras mountains. Click here for further information.
For an overnight stay in a Slovakian castle, best is 13th century Liptovský Hrádok in the town of the same name. Booking.com
Devin Castle
A castle tour of Slovakia shold begin in its capital, Bratislava. The only European country to sit on an international border, Bratislava was always somewhere that needed strong fortification and in its suburb of Devín there are records of a castle dating back to the 8th century. Today's fortress occupies a dramatic location on cliffs overlooking the confluence of the Moravia and Danube rivers: there's a 9th century church and a 15th century gatehouse among other ruins. The ruins at the western end of the complex are a little precarious and are sometimes closed in winter. Public transport serves Devín regularly: take bus 29 from under the New Bridge.
Trencin Castle
Trencín Castle with its distinctive pagoda-like roof is one of Slovakia's most photogenic, sprawling above the very pleasant medieval town of the same name. Its hill top setting has been occupied since long before the Mravian Empire but it is from this period, the 10th century, that its earliest surviving remains, a rotunda, date from. The opulently Gothic Barbara Palace, dating from the 11th century, occupies most of the site. Trencín is a lively town: many events take place at the castle throughout the year.
Bojnice Castle
With its twin domed parapets and turrets, it's not surprising that Bojnice is one of the country's most popular castles to visit. The castle design is based loosely on the Loire Valley castles of France, due to former owner John Pálffy. Most of what you see today daes from the 19th century although the original castle dates from some six centuries before that. Pálffy, a collector of fine artworks, tapestries and curios, is responsible for many of the elaborate furnishings and features the castle contains today. Not least of these is the castle's very own cave system below the foundations. Every May the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits takes place here and a much-visited museum is on-site too.
Booking.com
Spis Castle
Spiš is one of Europe's largest castles with a hill top location as dramatic as any. It dates originally from the 12th century, with fortifications over the subsequent six hundred years. On a summer' day the stonework looks almost white, which adds to its majesty. Much of the castle is ruined but there is a largely in-tact palace, a museum and some eerie dungeons.
Orava Castle — Nosferatu Film Setting
Standing out on a rocky crag over 100 metres high ove the Orava River, this is one of the most spectacular castle settings in a country which specialises in them. Dating in part from the 13th century, it's not surprising the castle has stood in as a setting for films such as the 1922 version of Nosferatu.
Much of the castle is in a remarkable state of repair and includes a museum. Oravsky Podzamok is the nearest village.
Pajstun Castle
Pajštún is slightly different to the other castles mentioned here. Rather than being an icon of Slovakia as many of the country's more famous fortresses have become, Pajštún has remained elusive: ruined and concealed by woodland. The main attraction is the sinister and incredibly preserved series of gargoyles. It's above the village of Borinka, on the way to Brno in the Czech Republic. Expect scintillating views from the top.
Other Castles Slovakia Can Offer
The 16th century fortified town of Banská Bystrica was built largely by the Turks during the region's Ottoman era. Whilst the castle itself may not be overly impressive, the museum contained in the site's walls is among the county's best.
For a castle truly away from the beaten track, another less-known option is Kežmarok, high up in the delightful town of the same name in the High Tatras mountains. Click here for further information.
For an overnight stay in a Slovakian castle, best is 13th century Liptovský Hrádok in the town of the same name. Booking.com
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