Chateaus in Slovakia

The castle in the beautiful spa town of Bojnice is among the most beautiful and significant monuments in Slovakia. It is located in Trenčiansky kraj, on the western edge of the town of Bojnice, in the district of Prievidza. It is one of the most popular attractions in Slovakia, not only thanks to its breathtaking appearance and varied history, but also its surroundings.

How a wooden castle became a romantic château

The first mention of the existence of a castle with a settlement below it dates back to 1113, when it was still wooden. Later, in the 13th century, it was gradually rebuilt into a stone structure on an elevation, a travertine hill with a deep crater containing a mineral spring in its center. This spring was later converted into a 27-meter-deep well located inside a deep circular cave. The cave has a diameter of more than 20 meters, is 6 meters high, and has been open to the public since 1967. Small lakes up to 9 meters deep surround the cave.

In the 13th century, the core of the castle was surrounded by a wide fortification. Until then, the castle was property of the Poznan family, but toward the end of the century it was seized by Matúš Čák, who owned it until 1321. The subsequent owner was his illegitimate son Ján Korvín; after the death of King Matthias, the castle was occupied by troops of the Zápoľský family. In 1527, Alexander Turzo received the castle as a gift from King Francis, and the Turzo family rebuilt the core of the castle. As the massive fortification that had been built gradually since the end of the 15th century was sufficient for defense, emphasis shifted toward representation and residential comfort. Thus, the originally Gothic castle transformed into a Renaissance château. After the extinction of the Turzo family in 1636, the castle reverted to the Crown, and a year later Emperor Francis III pledged it to Pavol Pálfi.

In 1643, the Pálfi family (sometimes written Pálffy) received hereditary ownership of the castle, rebuilding began once again, and at the end of the 17th century it ultimately gained a Baroque appearance. Its appearance did not change significantly in the subsequent period. In 1852, after a long period of stagnation and decline, the estate was acquired by its last noble owner, Count Ján František Pálfi. Inspired by various French and Tyrolean Gothic castles, the Papal Palace in Avignon, and early Italian Renaissance architecture, he rebuilt the castle into a romantic château. Although the reconstruction had its own architect, Jozef Hubert, the Count himself designed, drew, and directed all the work of the grand Neo-Gothic reconstruction, which lasted a long 22 years. The Count acquired antiques at various European auctions to decorate the interior. Particularly striking is the Serbia-sourced 17th-century wall paneling of the Turkish Hall. In the chapel, he installed an Italian Gothic altar from the second third of the 14th century. A portrait of the owner is even featured in the cartouche of the carved ceiling in the Golden Hall. Unfortunately, he did not live to see the completed work; he died in 1908, two years before the reconstruction was finished.

Following Pálfi's death, disputes over the inheritance broke out. After an amicable agreement between the Count's heirs and the Czechoslovak state, specific collections were set aside to remain preserved, while the rest were auctioned off between 1924 and 1926. In 1939, the Baťa company bought the château and land, but after the war and the issuance of the Beneš decrees, the property fell to the state.

Since 1950, a museum has been located in the château as part of the Slovenské národné múzeum. Ján František Pálfi had already considered this idea; in his 1907 testament, he expressed the wish that Bojnický zámok along with its artworks be made accessible to the public. For some time, this was indeed the case. However, everything changed on May 9, 1950, when a major fire broke out, destroying all the château's towers, after which interior tours were prohibited. Following the subsequent restoration of the destroyed parts, the château's gates gradually began opening to the public once again. Finally, after structural reorganization and inclusion under the Ministry of Culture of the SSR in 1970, Bojnický zámok became a national cultural monument.

Present day of Bojnický zámok and its surroundings

Visitors continue to be fascinated by the view of the surrounding natural environment. The adjacent castle park, which includes a castle lake with a romantic gazebo, features many magnificent mature tree specimens. Among them is the healing Ginkgo biloba tree with the so-called Matejova lipa. Matejova lipa, also known as Lipa kráľa Mateja, was according to legend planted by Matúš Čák Trenčiansky in 1301. King Matthias Corvinus enjoyed hosting banquets beneath it, and it was named after him. As time passed, it began to deteriorate, making ongoing care necessary. In 1969, it was declared a protected natural creation.

Various events are regularly organized at the château, drawing thousands of visitors. Special Valentine's tours, the theater festival Rozprávkový zámok, or night tours. At the château, you can also meet ghosts, Svetlonos, or even St. Nicholas.

Right next to the château is Národná zoologická záhrada Bojnice. It prides itself on being the oldest and most visited zoo in Slovakia. A tour of the château is most frequently combined by visitors with a visit to the zoo. The exposition at the neighboring Dino Adventure Park will amaze not only children. Giant dinosaur sculptures in some cases even move and make sounds. A tour of Múzeum praveku is also interesting and should not be missed.

Whether you need a health-restoring treatment or simply want to indulge in relaxation, Kúpele Bojnice is perfect for that. If traveling with children, visit the beach swimming pool or the highly popular and sought-after Termálne kúpalisko Bojnice, from whose pools you will look directly at the château's towers. A perfect view also awaits you from Vyhliadková veža Bojnice, giving you a bird's-eye view of the entire surrounding area.

As is evident, exploring the attractions in Bojnice simply cannot be done in one day. The solution in this case is to take a multi-day trip. Book accommodation near Bojnický zámok and set off for the adventure that awaits you here.

In the Novohradský región region, whose center is the town of Lučenec, the magnificent Haličský zámok castle has stood for centuries. The jewel of Novohrad, as the castle is nicknamed, thrones on a lonely hill in the village of Halič, and the view of it looks like something straight out of a fairytale book. The origins of the original stone castle are assumed to date back to the 12th century. Over its long existence, however, it has also gone through difficult times. Two world wars, as well as the insensitive approach of the Communists, disrupted its original architecture, and so the once sumptuous seat of counts began to decay. New life was breathed into it only by the final reconstruction between 2005 and 2016, which transformed the abandoned castle into a grand castle hotel with a beautiful forest park and a pond.

The first written mention of Zámok Halič dates back to 1386, when the Hungarian Queen Mary granted permission to the nobleman Štefan Lossoncy to build a stone fortress. In the 16th century, the original owners were replaced by the Forgách family, who owned the Renaissance-Baroque property until 1948. Turbulent times full of uprisings and rebellions, however, took their toll on its exterior. The last reconstruction initiated by the Forgách family took place in 1897. The greatest damage to the seat occurred during World War I, when Hungarian soldiers looted it in 1919. The subsequent onset of the Communist regime in 1948 turned the historic monumental building into the headquarters of a JRD (Unified Agricultural Cooperative). The Social Care Institute for Mentally Disabled Youth Lučenec, which was housed here in the 1960s, also contributed to its detriment. From 1993, this historic building remained without an owner and thus began to wither away. Nature itself and antisocial groups of the population also contributed to its ruin.

Hope for the rebirth of the castle dawned in 2005, when the former aristocratic seat was bought by a Košice-based company. After demanding reconstruction works that lasted ten years, the ruin became a luxurious hotel with a restaurant, which also offers guided tours of designated areas. If you are wondering what you can see at the castle, the answer is simple. Right upon arrival, you will be captivated by the Arkádia castle hall, located under a glass dome. After the tour, you can relax here in a stylish castle café. The second largest and at the same time most representative space is the County Hall (Župná sieň), which boasts magnificent frescoes from 1762. The room also features unique Rococo tile stoves decorated with gold ornaments. On the walls hang paintings of the original owners, primarily from the Forgách family. Another interesting room is the Representative Apartment with original wooden beams and historic furniture.

Your tour will continue to the 1st floor, where you will be delighted by a corridor with a cycle of unique wall paintings depicting Hungarian monarchs from the 16th to 17th centuries. Part of Haličský zámok is also a beautiful Baroque fountain, a castle park with a rose garden, and a moat. The castle hotel is an ideal place for all lovers of history and nobility, as well as for a romantic wedding. You can say your "I do" in the local chapel, which was consecrated in 2017. If you have decided to visit the castle during the summer season, you can enjoy a romantic boat ride on the adjacent pond or a picnic on its shores.

If you still feel like exploring, head to the nearby village of Divín, where you will find the ruins of the Gothic Hrad Divín castle and the Zichyho kaštieľ manor house, which was once home to local landowners. End a demanding day full of history in a comfortable room of the Haličský apartmán. The complete range of accommodation near Zámok Halič will be displayed on the page accommmodation in Haliči. The next day can be spent on the shores of the Vodná nádrž Ľadovo reservoir or in the pools of the municipal lido Kúpalisko v Lučenci. We wish you a wonderful stay full of extraordinary experiences.

Come and enjoy the beauty of Budmerický kaštieľ manor house, which is located in the village of Budmerice and ranks among the landmarks of this village. This is not only thanks to its stunning appearance, but also due to the wonderful 19th-century English park. Every year, it is visited not only by locals, but also by foreign tourists.

This beautiful manor house was built by Count Ján Pálffy together with his wife. The count was a hunting enthusiast, so the manor house originally served mainly for these purposes. The manor house itself draws from several architectural styles. It was inspired mainly by the French Renaissance. Although the exterior resembles older artistic styles, the interior was adapted to the living requirements of the modern era of that time. An interesting feature is that it includes a dumbwaiter, central heating, and numerous staircases.

Locals experienced unique feelings even back then during a stroll through the English park. In its vicinity, Count Pálffy had a chapel built dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. A legend is tied to the manor house, in which the count fell in love with a French comtesse. He wanted to transform his two residences into the style of French châteaux and then marry her. By the time he succeeded, the young lady was reportedly already married.

After the count's death, the manor house turned into a center of social life, where his son Pavol organized various gatherings and hunts. After World War II, the manor house was looted, subsequently passed into the hands of the state, and is currently managed by the Ministry of Culture. During opening hours, you can view its permanent exhibition here. Can you imagine what it would be like to spend a night here? Unfortunately, that is unrealistic for now, but you can easily book accommodation near Kaštieľ Budmerice.

In Budmerice, you will admire this amazing building. Know that you can also expand your trip by visiting Hrad Červený Kameň castle. You can go horseback riding with your children at Margitin dvor. On hot days, you can cool off in the Suchá nad Parnou water reservoir. Keep in mind that it is great to book affordable accommodation in Budmerice in advance. In addition to high-quality apartments, you will also find cottages and chalets here. We will gladly help you choose accommodation as well as offer tips on where to go for a trip. Simply search for everything on our portal MegaUbytovanie.sk.

Kaštieľ v Hlohovci, also known as Hlohovský or Hlohovecký zámok, is the most significant historical monument of this beautiful town in the Trnavský kraj region. It stands south of Hlohovec, on the edge of a large tree park with French terraces. Its tour can also be called "history in a modern outfit." Welcome, step inside and soak in the atmosphere.

Originally, Hlohovský hrad stood on this site, built in the 11th century. The first written mention of the original medieval castle Hlohovec appears in the so-called Zobor Document from 1113. From 1275, the castle belonged to the Aba family, when the Hungarian King Ladislaus IV granted it to the first feudal lord, Aba the Great. The castle had several owners. It was owned by Matthew Cák, the Ujlaky family, in the 15th century it became the seat of the Hussites, between 1524 and 1636 it was in the hands of the Thurzo family, and from 1720 it belonged to the Erdődy family. It was the Erdődy family who rebuilt the original castle into a Baroque manor house and brought it to the form we know today. In 1945, Soviet troops entered the town, and Hlohovecký kaštieľ became a hospital for Soviet soldiers. For a certain period after their departure, a garrison of the Czecho-Slovak army was stationed in the chateau. Today, the chateau is owned by the town of Hlohovec, which protects and continuously improves its historical jewel.

A combination of modern and historical? No problem in Hlohovec.

That history is boring? A visit to Hlohovecký zámok will convince you otherwise. It offers an extraordinary experience in the form of experiencing history through virtual reality. You will sit in 180-degree swivel armchairs, put on 3D glasses, and find yourself in the distant past. You will see how noble families lived and spent their time and recreational whims. Using tablets with augmented reality, you can view the unrestored areas of the chateau, in direct contrast with stunning graphical visualizations of their original state. You will be accompanied through the 60-minute tour by professionally educated guides who will provide high-quality information and add spicy stories and intriguing tidbits.

A popular place for walks is the French terraced gardens in the chateau park. And not only for lovers. Legends circulate among the residents of Hlohovec about escape tunnels from the chateau. They are assumed to be true. Ground-penetrating radar surveys in the chateau garden indeed revealed local cavities at a depth of about four meters. These were supposed to lead from the battalion towards the greenhouses along the edge of the slope.

An unforgettable experience is visiting the chateau in the evening hours, when the chateau lights up in seven colors thanks to magnificent and grand illumination that changes color and intensity. Thanks to a modern elevator and barrier-free sanitary facilities, the manor house is also accessible to visitors with mobility impairments. There is also a souvenir sale, which will remind you of this wonderful Hlohovec gem for a long time to come.

Discover surrounding attractions thanks to accommodation in Hlohovec

In the immediate vicinity lies the unique Empírové divadlo, the only preserved noble theater in Central Europe. It was built by Count Jozef Erdődy in 1802 on the occasion of the visit of Emperor Francis II. The opening concert for the emperor was performed by Ludwig van Beethoven. His bust is located in front of the theater. A beautiful panorama of the town will be offered by the view from Vyhliadka Šianec, but during your stay, we certainly also recommend visiting the Hvezdáreň a planetárium M.R. Štefánika. Directly from the castle tour, you can also set off on a bicycle tour or go to the swimming pool; you have multiple options.

You can find accommodation near Hlohovecký zámok, for example, on our subpage accommodation Hlohovec. This place is perfect for spending a romantic weekend as well as a family stay. We wish you a pleasant cultural experience during your visit to the manor house, which, thanks to its appearance, could easily belong in a movie fairy tale.

Renesančný zámok is located in the center of the town of Bytča, which lies on the right bank of the Váh river in the Žilina region. The complex, consisting of several buildings, has indisputable architectural and historical significance and is rightfully called the jewel of northwestern Slovakia. It has been listed as a national cultural monument since 1970.

Kaštieľ v Bytči was built on the site of a smaller Gothic castle between 1571 and 1574 by František I. Turzo, founder of the Bytča-Orava branch of the Turzo family and at the same time the most powerful feudal lord in the region of northwestern Slovakia. An interesting fact is that the construction was entrusted to the Italian master Giovanni Kilián from Milan, who was elevated to the nobility after the completion of the castle, and his figure is immortalized on a fresco on the ground floor of the Renaissance building. After the death of František I. Turzo, Bytčiansky kaštieľ became the permanent residence of his son Juraj Turzo, palatine and advisor to Emperor Rudolf II, a well-known diplomat, and a supporter of Slovaks and Protestantism. In 1601, Juraj Turzo also had the so-called Sobášny palác built in the manor complex, the only one of its kind in Slovakia, serving for ceremonial family events and primarily the wedding feasts of Juraj's seven daughters. It is impressive that wedding ceremonies are still performed in the hall to this day.

The castle was the seat of administration for the Turzo estates and a center of Renaissance culture and humanistic learning until the extinction of the Turzo family line in 1635, when it fell to the Esterházy family through marriage. The Esterházy family did not make significant changes to the building, as the manor house was not their main residence. In 1868, they sold the estate to the merchant Leopold Popper, under whose ownership it declined. The indebted businessman converted the building into 12 apartments and administrative spaces. He rented these out, while the alterations to the layout and subsequent restoration work damaged, among other things, precious wall paintings in the courtyard. Finally, in 1950, Bytčiansky zámok passed into state administration and ownership. The implementation of heritage restoration began after 1960.

The manor house has a quadrangular floor plan, a central courtyard, round bastions at the corners, and a six-story entrance tower in the middle of the northern wing. Since 1955, the manor house has hosted the Štátny oblastný archív, where valuable documents are archived, such as the oldest document from 1263, coat of arms charters, the inventory of Bytčiansky zámok, and others. Remarkable is the fact that the legend-shrouded highwayman Juraj Jánošík served in the castle as a guard soldier, where he met the imprisoned highwayman Tomáš Uhorčík, who persuaded him to take up highway robbery.

Sobášny palác next to the manor house is a one-story building with a rectangular floor plan and a richly decorated facade. The large hall of Sobášny palác houses exhibition spaces of the Považské múzeum, and the permanent exhibition here serves as a reminder of the unique personality of Palatine Juraj Turzo.

The town of Bytča, as well as the entire Žilina region, offers a wealth of historical monuments, adventurous attractions, and wonderful experiences. If Bytčiansky kaštieľ and its surroundings have caught your interest, book your accommodation near Bytčiansky hrad as soon as possible. In our offer, however, we also have direct accommodation in Bytča, as well as in the surrounding villages.

Kuneradský zámok is situated at the mouth of the Svitačová dolina valley, near the village of Kunerad. Standing guard over the valley at an altitude of 600 m above sea level, its surroundings are adorned with picturesque nature. Two fires in recent years damaged the chateau so severely that it is currently closed to the public. Despite this, it remains a frequently visited tourist attraction in the Rajecká dolina valley, mainly because hiking trails leading to the popular peaks of the Lúčanská part of Malá Fatra pass right next to it.

The new owners, who live in Switzerland, are striving to save the chateau and preserve this treasure for future generations. The ongoing restoration work can be observed from the adjacent chateau park and meadows, where you can enjoy a pleasant family walk. In the park, you will also find the Pamätník SNP (SNP Monument), which was renovated for the public in 2020.

Kuneradský zámok saw the light of day in 1912, originally serving as a hunting lodge for Count Ballestrem and his family, who used it primarily during the hunting season. The chateau was built with elements of French Art Nouveau. Towers, arcades, terraces, and exterior staircases gave this romantic building its charming appearance. The interior was also lavishly furnished, and the chateau even had its own water-powered power plant. The Count's family also established a chapel inside the chateau. During the Slovak National Uprising, the chateau was occupied by partisans and subsequently burned down by the Fascists. After reconstruction, the premises served as a treatment facility for the nearby Kúpele Rajecké Teplice spa.

You will surely be pleased to know that you can find pleasant accommodation near Kuneradský zámok. Cottages and guesthouses in Rajecké Teplice will fulfill your expectations to the point. In the nearby village of Kunerad, it is worth visiting the local healing spring on the way, colloquially named "Studnička Zuzička". The next day, you can visit Stratený budzogáň or head to Lietavský hrad. For some well-deserved relaxation, you can indulge yourselves in Kúpele Rajecké Teplice, and in the summer, you can enjoy the sunshine at the Termálne kúpalisko Laura thermal pool. Following the hiking trail from the chateau, you can reach Martinské hole and explore its hidden corners as well. Do not hesitate and discover this region during your holiday in Slovakia.

At the foot of Malé Karpaty, in the district of Piešťany, you will find the village of Chtelnica. If you like history, charming places, and monuments, do not miss a visit to the manor house whose origins date back to the 16th century. Explore the premises of the manor house, which was once even visited by Maria Theresa. A unique feature of the manor house is its regularly spaced pavilions, which currently serve as a regional museum and Malokarpatská galéria. Come take a look into the past and let yourself be enchanted by Kaštieľ Chtelnica.

The landmark of the village once belonged to the noble Erdődy family. Their residence underwent a major reconstruction in the 18th century, transforming from the original Renaissance manor house into a Baroque one. It has preserved this appearance to this day. The furnishings of the manor house were truly opulent. Ján Erdődy, president of the Hungarian Royal Chamber, furnished the manor house and its surroundings in luxury to honor the visit of the monarch Maria Theresa. During her visit, he hosted a magnificent ball, fireworks, and hunting parties. Later in the 19th century, the Pálffy family took over the residence. The manor house and its surroundings acquired a new look with the addition of an English park featuring rare plants, a promenade, and allegorical statues.

The exposition of the regional museum consists of three parts: historical, paleontological, and speleological. In addition to the exposition, you have the opportunity to look inside the manor house premises. The spacious cellars served as storage for large quantities of wine. Malokarpatská galéria, located in the northern pavilion, has a versatile focus. Although it primarily introduces the fine arts and works of regional artists, photographers, painters, carvers, and sculptors also find their place here.

The Chapel of the Crucifixion is located in the eastern pavilion. Part of the accessible chapel includes an exposition of liturgical vestments and Christian literature. You can end the tour with a walk in the park with a pond.

You can recall a piece of more recent history in this interesting region by visiting the nearby village of Košariská. Múzeum Milana Rastislava Štefánika, located here, will introduce you to the life of an important figure in our history. If you go on your trip or holiday with children, a ride on a historical train will be a great experience for them. Lesná železnica Katarínka, located near the villages of Naháč and Dechtice, will show you how a mining locomotive used to run. All that is left to do is choose the right accommodation near Kaštieľ Chtelnica and set off for great experiences. A modern guesthouse or a cozy apartment? Whichever you decide, we believe you will be satisfied with your choice.