Castles Západné Slovensko

Laugaricio. The Latin name that almost every Slovak knows. This speech, which is now almost dead, reached our territory in ancient times, and Trenčín is one of the proofs. Specifically, the castle rock, on which one of the most famous castles ever towers. Its silhouette is known even to small children, and it would be a pity not to know something more about it.

A fortified settlement stood on the castle cliff even earlier. The present-day castle was built in its place. The first was a rotunda and later a defensive tower. The first documented data on the existence of the castle date back to the 9th century, making it one of the older castles. Like one of many castles on the Považie region, it had an extremely important defensive role. It protected the entire western border of Uhorsko.

Let us go back in time by several centuries. A Roman inscription from 179 proclaiming the victory of the Romans over the Germans is still preserved on the castle cliff. The entire castle, including this historical rarity, was controlled by the most famous ruler, the lord of Váh and the Tatras, Matúš Čák. He is rightly nicknamed Trenčiansky. He gave the castle new fortifications, and the tower bears his name.

No ruler lives forever. Not even Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. The castle was also managed by other famous names such as Žigmund Luxemburský or Štefan Zápoľský. Hussite expeditions from the west and Turkish attacks from the south were the cause of further expansion of the castle. In this period of the fifteenth century, extensive walls were also created, which you can find at the castle to this day. Until then, the castle was characterized mainly by Gothic verticality, but under the influence of reconstructions, the castle developed rather in a horizontal direction.

Unfortunately, the destruction of the castle was caused, as is customary, by a fire. It even engulfed the city. The year was 1790. The castle had to wait for its restoration until the 19th century, when the conservation of the castle walls took place.

The castle became only a ruin. After many repairs and long years of work, the castle is open to the public today. You will find more than enough in its premises. The huge picture gallery or the exhibition of period furniture is attractive. If you suffer from vertigo, skip the tour of Matúšova veža tower. And the rest of you boldly to the top! A beautiful view of the Váh valley, Považie, Považský Inovec, and of course the entire city will take your breath away. It is useless to write anything more; you must see this.

After the castle tour, drop into one of the cafes in the night streets of Trenčín. The pleasant atmosphere and touch of romance in the city of fashion is tailor-made for a romantic weekend for two. You can find your temporary nest of love in one of the hotels or guesthouses directly in the city center. With friends or family, you can choose from the offer of many cheap private accommodations scattered not only in Trenčín but also its close surroundings. Only the last thing remains. You.

Bratislavský hrad, proudly towering over the Dunaj river, is considered one of our national symbols. Visiting our capital city should be a duty for everyone, and the castle is no exception. However, its past was not always rosy.

The castle lies on the castle hill, which is considered the southernmost spur of the Malé Karpaty mountain range. Located here was an important strategic point, a ford, thanks to which the castle gained good connections with the other bank of the Dunaj.

The first inhabitants were likely dwelling on the castle hill as early as 4,500 years ago, although this could not be proven. Stone structures stood on the castle hill during the 9th century. There was even a brick basilica standing here. However, we only encounter the castle in the year 907, when it bore the name Pressalauspruch. The downfall of Great Moravia occurred, and the castle became an important border castle.

Bratislavský hrad was subjected to fierce raids by the Tatars. It resisted them in 1241. Despite the castle's success, the king at the time, Belo IV, decided to improve the existing fortification. He focused mainly on strengthening the western side of the castle, from where he expected the most raids. A large residential tower and a defensive tower, today known as Korunovačná veža, were built.

The castle underwent several major changes; one of the largest began during the reign of Žigmund Luxemburský, who came to power in 1387. The reason was the threatening risk of Hussite raids. A new two-story palace was built.

When Bratislava became the center of the entire country, it was necessary to renovate the castle again. This took place in the years 1552–1560. The castle received two new wings, and its interior spaces were also renovated.

Perhaps you cannot imagine it today, but for long centuries, the castle had only two floors and two towers. The castle began acquiring its current contours during the reign of the Pálffy family, when the third floor and the remaining two towers were built between 1635 and 1639. The golden age of the castle continued during the reign of Mária Terézia, but after her death in 1780, the castle gradually declined. It was no longer needed and became a seminary. Among others, Anton Bernolák and Juraj Fándly studied here. Neither did this seminary last long. In 1802, the castle was acquired by the army, which converted it into barracks. In 1811, a terrible fire engulfed the castle, turning it into a ruin. Subsequently, the castle lay in ruins for many years and received a dignified reconstruction only after 1953. It underwent its most recent reconstruction only recently, and there is no longer any sign or trace of its dark past.

In conclusion, an interesting fact. Do you think the castle has a square shape? Many people think so, but it is not true. The reality is that each castle wall has a different length. The walls measure 85.20 meters, 85.17 meters, 77.15 meters, and the last one measures less than 60 meters. Their width is also different. Treat yourself to a visit to the castle; in addition to the permanent exhibition of the Slovenské národné múzeum, this national symbol offers an unforgettable view of Staré Mesto, Petržalka, as well as the deep waters of the Dunaj.

It is most ideal to stay near the castle in Staré Mesto. You will find luxury hotels or stylish guesthouses here. Cheaper accommodation is offered by the outskirts of the city, where there is no shortage of private rooms and apartments for rent. Bratislava has dozens of beautiful places, and the very first one you should visit is Bratislavský hrad.

Kriváň or Bratislavský hrad. What do they have in common? Both are considered our national symbols. We will introduce you to another one of them. It is hrad Devín, proudly towering on a high rocky cliff.

It is located a few kilometers west of our capital city of Bratislava. The village of Devín lies below the castle. From the castle cliff, there is a breathtaking view of the wide surroundings, the nearby Austrian borderland, and mainly the confluence of two large rivers, the Morava and the Dunaj. The castle hill excelled in its strategic position mainly thanks to the confluence of the two mentioned rivers. This was utilized by the Celts and later also by the Romans. The Roman Empire and its border reached all the way to the Dunaj river, and they built their settlement right on the castle hill. Later, the old Slavs followed up on it.

The castle hill also held a significant position during the glorious Veľká Morava. There was a defensive hillfort here. The first written mentions of the castle as such date back to 1223. However, its appearance is extremely difficult to determine, as the castle was conquered, demolished, and rebuilt several times. At the beginning of the 14th century, it underwent many changes of its owners. It became a royal castle, and to make it more comfortable for its inhabitants, it was gradually rebuilt into the Gothic style. Despite this, it did not lose its defensive military function, as it lay on the threatened Hungarian border.

In 1635, the castle came into the hands of the Pálffy family from Ardedu. During the period of their reign, the castle survived the anti-Habsburg uprising and also the uprising of František II. Rákoczi. In a later period, due to the condition of the castle, it was no longer representative to reside in it, nor did it meet the requirements of modern fortresses. For this reason, the castle became a warehouse and served for economic purposes. At the beginning of the 19th century, Bratislava and a part of Záhorie came into conflict with French Napoleonic troops. Despite the fact that they concluded a truce with them, the French blew up the castle in 1809.

Over time, Devín increasingly became a symbol of the state and a memory of Cyril and Methodius. In 1932, a purchase agreement was made between the Pálffy family and the state, and subsequently in 1935, the castle was taken over. In 1961, the castle was declared a national cultural monument.

If you like the majestic silhouette of the castle ruin so much that you want to have it above your head every morning, nothing is easier. The village of Devín itself offers many private accommodations and cottages that will satisfy even the more demanding ones. If you don't mind commuting to the castle, choose something else. Accommodation in one of the parts of Bratislava, such as Karlova Ves or in the Staré Mesto itself. It's just a piece away to Devín, and you have everything at your disposal from simple tourist hostels, through family guesthouses to the most luxurious hotels. Devín was already known to the most famous nobles, and kings were enchanted by its beauty. You will be too, if you decide to look at the world from above. From hrad Devín.

You might think that you know about all the towns and cities that share their name with a castle. After all, who wouldn't know Bratislavský hrad castle or Trenčiansky hrad castle? However, there is one castle that only a few people know about. That is Topoľčiansky hrad castle.

You will find the ruins of the once majestic castle a few kilometers from the town of Topoľčany itself. To venture among its ruins, you will need to visit the small village of Podhradie. It lies in the mountains of Považský Inovec, which is the most prominent mountain range in the entire area. It offers opportunities not only for history lovers, but also for dedicated hikers.

The castle stands on a massive dolomite rock formation. Such rocky outcrops were generally popular in the past for their excellent strategic location. It is not entirely known in which exact year the castle originates, but it dates back to the 13th century. The castle originally consisted of just a tower, a palace, and a small courtyard. In 1431, it was captured by the Hussite army. The Hussites chose Topoľčiansky hrad castle as their seat, where they resided until 1434. The armies of the Hungarian nobility tried to capture the castle, but without success. Due to the castle's excellent defense, they were forced to pay a ransom for it.

The castle was later expanded and improved, with the main reason being the constant threat of Turkish attacks. It passed through the hands of many owners. Perhaps the most famous family was the Forgáchs, who owned the castle from 1595 until the 18th century. After that, it passed through the hands of many nobles, with the Stummer family being the last. The cold and hard-to-reach castle was uncomfortable for them, so they found refuge in a manor house below the castle in the village of Tovarníky, which is nowadays a part of Topoľčany.

Currently, the castle is a typical castle ruin. The dominant feature of the castle, the crumbling castle tower, underwent reconstruction as early as the late 19th century. Thanks to the atypical stepped shape of its structure, the castle acquired a unique silhouette. An interesting fact is that it is possible to enter this tower.

The village of Podhradie and the town of Topoľčany are part of the Ponitrie region. To get to know it thoroughly, make sure to treat yourself to a visit to the surrounding towns and cities as well. The most significant ones are certainly Prievidza and Nitra. Nitra is an ancient city with many monuments and old narrow streets. If you head to Prievidza, you will be just a short distance from Bojnice. That destination needs no special introduction. You will find a magnificent château, a huge zoo, and a pleasant spa there. Alternatively, set off for Piešťany, perhaps the most famous spa town in this area. Mud wraps, the colonnade bridge, a photo by the Crutch Breaker statue. You shouldn't miss any of these.

The surrounding area offers numerous accommodation options. Directly in Topoľčany, you will find plenty of opportunities, ranging from comfortable hotels to budget hostels. Even in Podhradie itself, there are several private accommodations available. If you love relaxation, we recommend visiting the nearby Duchonka recreation area. Plenty of pleasant cottages are waiting just for your visit.

There are numerous castle ruins located in Slovakia. However, castles that still look today exactly as they did centuries ago are considerably fewer. If you want to catch a glimpse into the lives of the wealthiest people in the past and see how they lived and resided, you have a unique opportunity. Hrad Červený Kameň castle is extraordinarily well-preserved and still looks today exactly as it did centuries ago.

You will find the castle in the Malé Karpaty mountains. It lies near the town of Modra, known not only for its beautiful and rare ceramics, but also for traditional winemaking. You can reach it from the village of Častá or from the small village of Píla. Access to the castle is also suitable for the elderly and children. You can park or take a bus all the way up directly in front of the castle.

The history of the castle dates back to the first half of the 13th century. It was built by the Bohemian queen widow, Constance of Hungary. Later, the castle became a royal castle and formed an important defense line of the border zone. It stretched from Bratislava, through the entire Považie region, up to Žilina. The castle passed through the hands of several prominent families. It was ruled by Matúš Čák Trenčiansky, as well as the Zápoľský and Turzo families.

The new history of Hrad Červený Kameň began in 1535. The castle was acquired by one of the richest European families, the Fugger family. They embarked on a major reconstruction. They wanted to turn the castle into a defensive fortress to store goods. This merchant family began demolishing the castle while simultaneously constructing new parts. The present-day appearance of the castle originates precisely from this period. Four massive defensive bastions served to protect the fortress, and residential buildings were gradually added. The dominant feature is a huge residential wing. The castle turned into a modern and comfortable trading fortress with an excellent commercial location near Vienna.

The political situation was worsening, and the risk of Turkish and Tatar invasions was becoming increasingly acute. The Fugger family ultimately decided to sell the castle, and the Pálffy family became the buyers. They owned the castle from 1588 until 1945. A few years later, the castle was declared state cultural property. Today, you will find beautiful exhibitions of furniture, carpets, and traditional martial arts here. The largest carpet at the castle covers more than 44 square meters. The local library holds an incredible 14,312 books, and if you wanted to line them up in a single row, it would be almost 300 meters long. The castle is full of superlatives and former luxury, which you can see with your own eyes.

The Malé Karpaty are popular among tourists not only thanks to their beautiful nature. One of the greatest attractions is precisely Hrad Červený Kameň. You can find accommodation directly below the castle, in the village of Častá. There are numerous private accommodations and homestay options in family houses. If you are looking for the hustle and bustle of the town, choose accommodation in Modra. There are many hotels and guesthouses in the town, some even with their own wine cellar, which wine lovers in particular will appreciate. Come and discover the beauties of the Malé Karpaty as well.

Almost every castle is associated with ancient legends that often inspire terror. One of the terrifying stories that you surely know is about Elizabeth Báthory. Her home was none other than Čachtický hrad. You no longer need to be afraid of the deceased ruler of the castle; only a beautiful view and walls breathing with history await you.

Čachtický hrad is located above the village of Čachtice of the same name. You will find it very easily. It is located at the foot of Malé Karpaty, between the towns of Nové Mesto nad Váhom and Piešťany. The Považie region is notoriously known for its high concentration of castles. These were intended to protect not only trade routes, but also the Kingdom of Hungary from attacks from the west. Čachtický hrad was located right on the imaginary front line. It was built in 1260, but the castle hill was inhabited much earlier.

The castle recorded its first major event shortly after its construction. As early as 1273, it had to face a massive attack by the Czech King Ottokar II. Many castles fell victim to his troops, but Čachtický hrad, although with heavy losses, resisted.

Later, the castle belonged to several rulers, undoubtedly the most famous being Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. After his death, King Sigismund took over the baton, gifting it to his devoted adjutant Stibor of Stiboricz. He owned up to 15 castles and was rightly called the "Lord of all Považie." The most famous castle he owned was Beckov.

From 1569, the Nádasdy family came to rule the castle. After the death of Tamás Nádasdy, it was controlled by his wife, who wanted to get rid of the castle. Pre-emptive rights to the castle were used by her son Ferenc Nádasdy. Although the Čachtice estate belonged to him, death awaited him two years later, and so the rule over the castle was entrusted to his wife, the legendary Elizabeth Báthory. Elizabeth married when she was only 15 years old, and it is very likely that she suffered from psychological problems. Her condition was not helped by separation from her husband, who was almost constantly at war. Solitude was responsible for the rise of sadism in the famous countess. It is rumored that a maid once pulled her hair while combing it. The enraged countess struck the maid so hard that she wounded her until she bled. The maid's blood fell on Báthory's face, and she felt as if she had rejuvenated. She began killing young girls en masse for their blood, which allegedly made her younger. She likely deprived 690 girls of their lives and tortured many of them. These practices became suspicious over time, and so on January 2, 1611, she stood trial. Her punishment was life imprisonment under house arrest, where she died in the summer of 1614. Her remains are allegedly buried in one of the castle walls.

The castle did not face a very rosy future. In 1708, the castle was conquered by the troops of Francis II Rákóczi and served only as a prison until 1799, when it burned down. Since then, it has been abandoned and falling into ruin. It underwent several reconstructions, the latest of which was scheduled to end in 2014. A visit to the castle is certainly interesting, especially if you want to see a rugged medieval military fortress. Čachtický hrad was a combat fortress, and romantic architectural whims had no place here. After the reconstruction, some parts will even be roofed, so you will see Čachtický hrad in a completely new outfit.

To enjoy the castle sufficiently, you can stay in close proximity. Directly below its walls lie the villages of Čachtice and Višňové. Both offer plenty of private rooms and family houses for rent, so you will be able to wake up with the silhouette of the castle behind your windows. If you are looking for a busier life, you will definitely like Nové Mesto nad Váhom. Hotels, guesthouses, or tourist hostels guaranteeing a cheap holiday are available here. Look at the beauties of Považie with perspective from Čachtický hrad.