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Lednica Castle, Slovakia on the engravings of Carl Brandtl  y.1841 One of the most inaccessible castles in Slovakia. It looks like an eagles nest and it is believed to be a home of a ghost - White Lady. To get to the inner part of the castle, you have to walk the tunnel inside the rocky mountain and then take 80 steps of the stone stairway. Location on map: GPS: N49°6’47.92”   E18°12’20.12”  (Google Earth ) The castle is located on the cliff Kobulinka above Lednica village, at the altitude of 450 meters. It was built at the end of the 13th century as a seat of the Lednice estate and belonged to the group of royal castles. Imperial troops destroyed it at the beginning of the 18th century (1710). Only the remains of walls survive. Owned by several noble families : Marek of Lednica, Matúš Čák of Trenčín ”Lord of the river Váh and the Tatra Mountains“, Pakšiovci, Bielikovci, Podmanickovci, Imrich Telekeši, Rákocziovci, Maťašovskovci. (Several documents, especially of the 15th century are in Slovak language among others). The legend says that the spirit of the beautiful lady of the castle Katarína walks on top of them in the night. The lord of the castle kidnapped her on the day of her wedding but Katarína wearing the white gown preferred to jump down from the castle walls. If you would like to participate on the castle reconstruction, please contact the people here. VIA
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Stairs in Bojnice Castle, Slovakia - rated as one of the 25 most beautiful castles in Europe It is one of the most visited medieval Romantic castles in Slovakia with original Gothic and Renaissance elements built in the 12 th century and also being a popular filming stage for fantasy and fairy-tale movies. Location on MAP : GPS: N48°46’48.15”   E18°34’40.31” Architecture : Gothic, Renaissance Bojnice Castle was first mentioned in written records in 1113, in a document held at the Zobor Abbey, Nitra, Slovakia. Originally built as a wooden fort, gradually rebuilt by Poznan family to stone. Its next owners included Matúš Čák of Trenčín ”Lord of the river Váh and the Tatra Mountains“, who received it in 1302 from the King Ladislaus V;  15th century - owned by King Matthias Corvinus, who gave it to his illegitimate son John Corvinus in 1489. Later owned by famous noble families (Zapolya, Thurzos). From 1646 on, the castle’s owners were the Palffys, who created today’s beautiful imitation of the French castles of the Loire valley. Today there is a museum (part of Slovak National Museum) and the castle is surrounded by the castle park, which contains the Bojnice Zoo (the oldest and one of the most visited zoos). The castle park continues in the form of a forest park in the Strážov Mountains. The castle is renowned for its attractions, including the popular Castle Fairytale, the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits, Summer Music Festival, Day and Night Tours and Special Christmas, Easter and Valentine`s Programmes. The romantic castle is also a popular location for filming fairy tale movies, such as Fantaghirò. It hosts the single most popular museum in Slovakia. photo via
23 ♥
Historical Photo of Lednica Castle, Slovakia One of the most inaccessible castles in Slovakia. It looks like an eagles nest and it is believed to be a home of a ghost - White Lady. To get to the inner part of the castle, you have to walk the tunnel inside the rocky mountain and then take 80 steps of stone stairway. Location on map: GPS: N49°6’47.92”   E18°12’20.12”  (Google Earth ) The castle is located on the cliff Kobulinka above Lednica village, at the altitude of 450 meters. It was built at the end of the 13th century as a seat of the Lednice estate and belonged to the group of royal castles. Imperial troops destroyed it at the beginning of the 18th century (1710). Only the remains of walls survive. Owned by several noble families : Marek of Lednica, Matúš Čák of Trenčín ”Lord of the river Váh and the Tatra Mountains“, Pakšiovci, Bielikovci, Podmanickovci, Imrich Telekeši, Rákocziovci, Maťašovskovci. (Several documents, especially of the 15th century are in Slovak language among others). The legend says that the spirit of the beautiful lady of the castle Katarína walks on top of them in the night. The lord of the castle kidnapped her on the day of her wedding but Katarína wearing the white gown preferred to jump down from the castle walls. If you would like to participate on the castle reconstruction, please contact the people here. pandolfo-malatesta: Lednica Castle
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Bzovik Fortress & Monastery, Slovakia Bzovik is a Gothic-Renaisance fortress built against Turkish (Ottoman Empire) invasions. It is former monastery of Premonstrans. Its beginnings date back before 1135. Location on MAP : GPS: N 48.31523 E 19.089498 Architecture : Gothic, Renaissance Founded by Lampert from family Hunt-Poznanyi together with son Nikolas and wife Zofia, sister of King Ladislav. The monastery church was built in the first half of the 12th century, despite its mention for the first time in written records in 1285. Devastated by Hussites in 1433 then rebuilt in Gothic Style (1444-1446) - new chapel to the old Romanesque single nave church with two towers + new monastery wing and garden of paradise. The monastery was burned down in 1471 by people from Krupina. In 1530 Zigmund Balassa attacked the monastery, he evicted the monks and rebuilt the monastery on grandiose scale to anti Turkish fortress - surrounded by high-fortified wall and four corner bastions + moat around the fortress. After 1678 the fortress was repaired and rebuilt in Baroque style by Estergom’s bishop Juraj Szelepcsényi. These holdings were managed by Estergom’s Chapter up to 1908 when they were sold. Partly destroyed during WW II, but most of the fortress still stand.
2 ♥
Bojnice Castle, Slovakia - rated as one of the 25 most beautiful castles in Europe It is one of the most visited medieval Romantic castles in Slovakia with original Gothic and Renaissance elements built in the 12 th century and also being a popular filming stage for fantasy and fairy-tale movies. Location on MAP : GPS: N48°46’48.15”   E18°34’40.31” Architecture : Gothic, Renaissance Bojnice Castle was first mentioned in written records in 1113, in a document held at the Zobor Abbey, Nitra, Slovakia. Originally built as a wooden fort, gradually Poznan family. Its next owners included Matúš Čák of Trenčín ”Lord of the river Váh and the Tatra Mountains“, who received it in 1302 from the King Ladislaus V;  15th century - owned by King Matthias Corvinus, who gave it to his illegitimate son John Corvinus in 1489. Later owned by famous noble families (Zapolya, Thurzos). From 1646 on, the castle’s owners were the Palffys, who created today’s beautiful imitation of the French castles of the Loire valley. Today there is a museum (part of Slovak National Museum) and the castle is surrounded by the castle park, which contains the Bojnice Zoo (the oldest and one of the most visited zoos). The castle park continues in the form of a forest park in the Strážov Mountains. The castle is renowned for its attractions, including the popular Castle Fairytale, the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits, Summer Music Festival, Day and Night Tours and Special Christmas, Easter and Valentine`s Programmes. The romantic castle is also a popular location for filming fairy tale movies, such as Fantaghirò. It hosts the single most popular museum in Slovakia. photo via flickr
17 ♥
Bojnice Castle, Slovakia - rated as one of the 25 most beautiful castles in Europe It is one of the most visited medieval Romantic castles in Slovakia with original Gothic and Renaissance elements built in the 12 th century and also being a popular filming stage for fantasy and fairy-tale movies. Location on MAP : GPS: N48°46’48.15”   E18°34’40.31” Architecture : Gothic, Renaissance Bojnice Castle was first mentioned in written records in 1113, in a document held at the Zobor Abbey, Nitra, Slovakia. Originally built as a wooden fort, gradually Poznan family. Its next owners included Matúš Čák of Trenčín ”Lord of the river Váh and the Tatra Mountains“, who received it in 1302 from the King Ladislaus V;  15th century - owned by King Matthias Corvinus, who gave it to his illegitimate son John Corvinus in 1489. Later owned by famous noble families (Zapolya, Thurzos). From 1646 on, the castle’s owners were the Palffys, who created today’s beautiful imitation of the French castles of the Loire valley. Today there is a museum (part of Slovak National Museum) and the castle is surrounded by the castle park, which contains the Bojnice Zoo (the oldest and one of the most visited zoos). The castle park continues in the form of a forest park in the Strážov Mountains. The castle is renowned for its attractions, including the popular Castle Fairytale, the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits, Summer Music Festival, Day and Night Tours and Special Christmas, Easter and Valentine`s Programmes. The romantic castle is also a popular location for filming fairy tale movies, such as Fantaghirò. It hosts the single most popular museum in Slovakia.
13 ♥
Orava Castle, Slovakia One of the most beautiful castles from 13th century standing 112 m (367 ft) high above the Orava River and its right tributary stream Racova, extended in 15th and 16th century, final look formed till beginning of 17th century, reconstructed in 1953-1968. Location : 49 15` 42“ N, 19 21` 29“ E Architecture : romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque Many scenes of the 1922 film Nosferatu were filmed here, although until recently it was thought to have been shot in Transylvania. Orava Castle stands on the site of an old wooden fortification (at that time only the ground floor was built of stone, while the upper floors were made of wood) dating back to Great Moravian Empire, built in stone after the Tartar invasion of 1241. Its history since then reveals a familiar pattern of construction, destruction, reconstruction, fire, various ownerships and territorial squabbles. via flickr
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Orava Castle, Slovakia One of the most beautiful castles from 13th century standing 112 m (367 ft) high above the Orava River and its right tributary stream Racova, extended in 15th and 16th century, final look formed till beginning of 17th century, reconstructed in 1953-1968. Location : 49 15` 42“ N, 19 21` 29“ E Architecture : romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque Many scenes of the 1922 film Nosferatu were filmed here, although until recently it was thought to have been shot in Transylvania. Orava Castle stands on the site of an old wooden fortification (at that time only the ground floor was built of stone, while the upper floors were made of wood) dating back to Great Moravian Empire, built in stone after the Tartar invasion of 1241. Its history since then reveals a familiar pattern of construction, destruction, reconstruction, fire, various ownerships and territorial squabbles. via flickr
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Orava Castle, Slovakia One of the most beautiful castles from 13th century standing 112 m (367 ft) high above the Orava River and its right tributary stream Racova, extended in 15th and 16th century, final look formed till beginning of 17th century, reconstructed in 1953-1968. Location : 49 15` 42“ N, 19 21` 29“ E Architecture : romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque Many scenes of the 1922 film Nosferatu were filmed here, although until recently it was thought to have been shot in Transylvania. Orava Castle stands on the site of an old wooden fortification (at that time only the ground floor was built of stone, while the upper floors were made of wood) dating back to Great Moravian Empire, built in stone after the Tartar invasion of 1241. Its history since then reveals a familiar pattern of construction, destruction, reconstruction, fire, various ownerships and territorial squabbles. via flickr
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Orava Castle, Slovakia - wedding photography One of the most beautiful castles from 13th century standing 112 m (367 ft) high above the Orava River and its right tributary stream Racova, extended in 15th and 16th century, final look formed till beginning of 17th century, reconstructed in 1953-1968. Location : 49 15` 42“ N, 19 21` 29“ E Architecture : romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque Many scenes of the 1922 film Nosferatu were filmed here, although until recently it was thought to have been shot in Transylvania. Orava Castle stands on the site of an old wooden fortification (at that time only the ground floor was built of stone, while the upper floors were made of wood) dating back to Great Moravian Empire, built in stone after the Tartar invasion of 1241. Its history since then reveals a familiar pattern of construction, destruction, reconstruction, fire, various ownerships and territorial squabbles. VIA 
4 ♥
Devín Castle (Slovak: hrad Devín or Devínsky hrad, German: Burg Theben) Slovakia Positioned on the cliff, 212 meters above the Danube and Morava rivers is known since the 9th century from Great Moravian Empire built on former fortifications from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and former Celtic and Roman fortresses. In 1809 it was blown up by Napoleon’s army. Today, there is a museum with astonishing views to Austria. Location N 48.1740421076023, E 16.978012919425964 The castle stands just inside Slovak territory on the frontier between Slovakia (previously part of Czechoslovakia) and Austria. It stands on the important trade route as well as one branch of the Amber Road. Evidence prove, it was settled since the Bronze Age and Iron Age and also evidence of Celtic, Germanic and Roman occupations, as well as the suggestion that Devín once provided a temporary home to Goth, Herul and Gepid tribes. A Slavic castle, founded in the 8th century, played a crucial role during frequent wars between Great Moravia and the Franks. The ancient name of the castle (Dowina - from the Slavic/Slovak word deva for girl) was mentioned for the first time in written resources in 864, when Louis the German besieged Prince Rastislav in the “castle of Dowina”. During the Great Moravian period, a Christian church had been built in the Roman ruins. Its distinct style was probably inspired by similar churches in Byzantine Macedonia, from where Saints Cyril and Methodius came to Great Moravia. Chemical composition of frescoes indicates that the church was decorated by Italian painters. A stone medieval castle was built in the 13th century A.D., with a palace added 200 years later (in 15th century), as well as further fortifications to protect the castle against the Ottoman invasion. When Napoleon occupied and then destroyed the place in 1809, he was the first marauder to penetrate the castle’s defences, leaving behind the current ruin, which has been carefully preserved and now houses a museum detailing the castle’s chequered history and containing many artefacts discovered on the site. The most beautiful part of the castle is the tiny wathtower, known as the Maiden Tower. It balances on a lone rock and has spawned countless legends concerning imprisoned lovelorn daughters leaping to their deaths.
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Devín Castle (Slovak: hrad Devín or Devínsky hrad, German: Burg Theben) Slovakia Maiden Tower on historical photograph Positioned on the cliff, 212 meters above the Danube and Morava rivers is known since the 9th century from Great Moravian Empire built on former fortifications from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and former Celtic and Roman fortresses. In 1809 it was blown up by Napoleon’s army. Today, there is a museum with astonishing views to Austria. Location N 48.1740421076023, E 16.978012919425964 The castle stands just inside Slovak territory on the frontier between Slovakia (previously part of Czechoslovakia) and Austria. It stands on the important trade route as well as one branch of the Amber Road. Evidence prove, it was settled since the Bronze Age and Iron Age and also evidence of Celtic, Germanic and Roman occupations, as well as the suggestion that Devín once provided a temporary home to Goth, Herul and Gepid tribes. A Slavic castle, founded in the 8th century, played a crucial role during frequent wars between Great Moravia and the Franks. The ancient name of the castle (Dowina - from the Slavic/Slovak word deva for girl) was mentioned for the first time in written resources in 864, when Louis the German besieged Prince Rastislav in the “castle of Dowina”. During the Great Moravian period, a Christian church had been built in the Roman ruins. Its distinct style was probably inspired by similar churches in Byzantine Macedonia, from where Saints Cyril and Methodius came to Great Moravia. Chemical composition of frescoes indicates that the church was decorated by Italian painters. A stone medieval castle was built in the 13th century A.D., with a palace added 200 years later (in 15th century), as well as further fortifications to protect the castle against the Ottoman invasion. When Napoleon occupied and then destroyed the place in 1809, he was the first marauder to penetrate the castle’s defences, leaving behind the current ruin, which has been carefully preserved and now houses a museum detailing the castle’s chequered history and containing many artefacts discovered on the site. The most beautiful part of the castle is the tiny wathtower, known as the Maiden Tower. It balances on a lone rock and has spawned countless legends concerning imprisoned lovelorn daughters leaping to their deaths.
33 ♥
Bratislava Castle and the Danube in Bratislava Slovakia  Monumental castle known from the beginning of 10th century, built on former Slavonian fortification from 9th century from Great Moravian Empire above Danube river. Latest reconstruction is from 1956-1968. One of the city signatures. Location: N 48.142276, E 17.100043 Architecture styles seen in castle: romanesque, gothic, renaissance, baroque The castle stands on a hill where the earliest occupation dates back to the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC). The Castle was first time mentioned in Salzburg annals in 907 AD. Current appearance was built in 15th century AD (1427). The palace wing was built between 1431-34. Next reconstruction happened between 1552 - 1639 lead by Italian architects. The castle became coronation headquarters during the Tartar incursions from the east. The last big reconstruction was based on works of french, italian and austrian architects - J. N. Jadot, L. N. Pacassi and J. B. Martinelli in 1750-1760. In 1811 the castle was ruined by big fire and for 140 years remained damaged. The reconstruction started in 1953 restored its original appearance. flickrpeek: Thanks to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/64346712@N04
1 ♥
Trenčiansky hrad | Trenčín Castle Slovakia - historical painting Trenčín Castle is a National Cultural Relic sitting above Váh River and one of the mightiest medieval complexes in Slovakia. Location on goole map Architecture: romanesque, gothic, baroque, renaissance Archaeological findings prove its inhabitation already in the Early Bronze Age. Trenčín Castle territory was already important in the Roman Empire as shows the inscription carved to the castle rock  glorifying the victory of the II. Roman Legion over the German tribes (179-180 A. D.). Pre-romanesque rotunda on the acropolis and the findings evidencing for the existence of crafts in the area of the lower castle in the time of Great Moravian Empire in 9th century. Castle`s existence is evidenced by written documents indirectly since as early as 1068 A. D. and directly in a bill dated 1111 A. D.  The history of the castle is very long and rich. Main highlights in the history are: Matúš Čák of Trenčín ”Lord of the river Váh and the Tatra Mountains“ - his seat in later 13-14th century. He gave name to the Matúš Tower, which dominates both the castle silhouette as well as the town.  Extensions of the castle by King Ludovít the Great who had repaired the damaged castle inflicted by the armies of the King Charles Robert in 1321 and became the venue of several international negotiations. In the 15th century, the castle’s belonged to Queen Barbara Cellska, the second wife of king Sigismund of Luxembourg.  Mathias Corvinus got engaged and married here to the daughter of theBohemian King George of Poděbrady in 1461. Zápolský family who rebuild the castle in a way, which is a unique fortification system, singular in central Europe from the architectonic point of view. During their reign, the water well is connected to ”WELL of LOVE” legend - the Turkishprince Omar and his great love for the beautiful Fatima, whom he had to redeem by digging a well in the rock.  In 1790, it was desolated by fire. First repairs of the castle’s ruins began in 1912, however, a systematic reconstruction has been carried out since 1956 up to this day.  The Trenčín castle had seen below its walls hostile armies of Czech and Polish kings, Tatar hordes, Bočkay and Bethlen hayducks, imperial landsknechts, soldiers of the Turkish sultan, Tatars of the Khan of Krym, companies of the Duke of Sesia, and Kurucs and Labanec armies.  However, it has never been conquered by a direct attack. Museum exhibition here documents the history of the region and of the castle – historic furniture, weapons (e.g. firearms coming from 13th -19th cent.), paintings etc. as well as a castle gallery, archaeological collections and findings. Its artistic and historic importance crosses the borders of Slovakia and belongs to the cultural wealth of Europe. Diplomatic traditions of the Trenčín castle didn’t remain forgotten. In May 24-25, 2002 the summit of the prime ministers and ministers of foreign affairs of the states of the Visegrad group and Benelux took place at the castle, and in 2004 the visit of the participants in the NATO Parliamentary session were carried out at the castle as well.
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