Ruins Dojč

In the village of Podbranč, in the Podzámok area, lies Hrad Branč. This castle, standing proudly on a cliff of the Myjavská pahorkatina, was once famous. Today, only ruins remain, sought after by tourists or people who love spending time in nature and history.

In the Senica district, a partially reconstructed castle stands atop Homoľov kopec above the village of Podbranč. It is situated at an altitude of 475 m above sea level, and reaching it is relatively easy. There is a small parking lot near the local cemetery where you can park your car, and after a few minutes' walk along an asphalt path, you are there. It will take no more than 10 minutes of your time. Here, a cashier awaits to let you into the castle grounds for a nominal admission fee.

When visiting this place, you can notice the oldest parts of the castle that are still standing. These are part of a two-room palace block in the courtyard of the inner castle. The castle was once divided into two main sections: the lower castle and the middle castle. These sections were separated by a deep dry moat. The entrance to the middle castle was located opposite the current monument. The middle castle had 2 functional parts: the northern courtyard and the residential palace section. From the courtyard, you could access the rooms, of which there were 40 at the time. The castle also featured two wells. In 1939, a monument was erected in its grounds to commemorate the suffering of imprisoned Protestant priests.

Legends are also associated with this castle. It is said that when Lord Pongrácz ruled the castle, he constantly plundered neighboring estates. What he stole, he sold on the meadow below the castle as if at a fair. There is also a harsher legend, according to which the robber knight Pongrácz seized the castle by force and had the former owners murdered. But as the saying goes, "What goes around comes around," and so this knight received what he had caused to the former owners. During one night, he fell into an unknown, endless passage and reportedly impaled himself on a dagger. You will like the third legend about the Black Lady. They will tell you that one right at the castle.

The castle is an interesting place. Its premises can also be used for commercial purposes, such as hosting a wedding or another event. If you are interested in exploring the beauty of this area, visit Kaštieľ v Sobotišti. Currently, the Múzeum Samuela Jurkoviča, which is dedicated to 150 years of history, is located on its premises. This well-known educator influenced the lives of many generations in Slovakia. Perfect relaxation during summer days will be ensured by the opportunity to swim or lounge on the shores of Kunovská priehrada. You can also admire natural scenery if you walk up to the lookout tower Hrajky. In case of less favorable weather, they will gladly welcome you at Plaváreň Senica.

A trip to this castle is well worth it. Likewise, staying in this region longer to enjoy it to the fullest is a great choice. In that case, we recommend booking accommodation near Hrad Branč. From our offer, you can select chalets in Podbranč, which provide their visitors with privacy, or choose beautiful rooms in guest houses. We will be happy to help you with your choice.

In the western part of the limestone ridge of Záruby, above the village of Buková, near Smolenice, lies the ruin of Hrad Ostrý Kameň. An interesting feature is that this castle is the highest-altitude castle in the Malé Karpaty. The castle earned its name because it was carved into a rock of the same name. You will find this historical gem at an altitude of 576 meters above sea level, which guarantees magnificent views of the Malé Karpaty and the Záhorská nížina.

In the past, the castle served as a royal border fortress to protect the western border of Hungary and the so-called Czech road. The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1273. Initially, the castle was royal property, but in 1366 the king donated it to Nicholas of Szécsi, passing it into private ownership. Over the centuries it belonged to many owners, including Duke Stibor of Stiborice, the Keglevich family, the Thurzo family, the Forgách family, and many others.

In 1704, a major Kuruc battle took place around the castle, during which the castle was heavily damaged. By that time, the Czech road already led through Bratislava, and the castle lost its function. The then owners of the castle, the Pálffy family, moved their seat to the town of Moravský Svätý Ján and left the castle to its fate.

Currently, the castle ruin is intertwined with the limestone bedrock, and you can view the remains of former palace walls, outbuildings, and bastions. You can reach the castle along a marked hiking trail that leads from the village of Buková. You can also make a trip for discovery from Smolenice, this route is the shortest and leads across the highest peak of the Malé Karpaty,  the Záruby peak. Along the way, you can stop at Čertov žľab or Občasný vodopád, which, however, flows only during favorable water conditions.

After a half-day hike to Hrad Ostrý Kameň, treat yourself to some relaxation and have a picnic by the nearby Vodná nádrž Buková reservoir. Among other interesting places you can visit in the immediate surroundings are definitely Smolenický zámok, the ruins of the Molpír hillfort, or Jaskyňa Driny. The Dolné Považie region is one of the most beautiful areas of Western Slovakia, so do not hesitate and book your stay today. A rich offer of accommodation near the ruin of Hrad Ostrý Kameň can be found on our page accommodation in Buková.