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Gýmeš Castle Ruins, Slovakia - historical image (click here for VIRTUAL VISIT) Originally Gothic castle located on the hill Dúň (514 m), built in the second half of the 13th century on the site of an older fort.  The legend has that in past, the guests were welcomed with a “spade dance”.  Location on MAP : GPS: N 48.411403   E 18.220911 Architecture : Gothic, late Baroque  Above the village Jelenec in the Tribeč Mts. in west of Slovakia, at the height of 514 m there are ruins of the originally Gothic Gýmeš Castle, built in the second half of the (1253 – 1270) 13th century on the site of an older fort by the family Ivankov (son Ondrej), who became later famous noble family Forgách. The castle was the centre of the estate Jelenec or Gýmeš. Turks conquered and damaged it, it was renewed and inhabited until 1865 (19 century). It fell in decay afterwards. The legend has that in past, the guests were welcomed with a “spade dance”. It consisted of four strikes by spade and an inscription in the book of guests. Surviving parts - silhouette medieval walls with window openings and gates / doors, late baroque chapel walls, columns   via
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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. photo via
15 ♥
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. PHOTO via
220 ♥
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 ♥
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. photo via flickr
3 ♥
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 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
70 ♥
Bratislava Castle 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. kaderin-esitsizligi: Castle in the distance by renetka on Flickr.
20 ♥
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.
9 ♥
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. photo via flickr
2 ♥
Cerveny Kamen (Red Stone) castle in Slovakia Nicely preserved stone castle built in the beginning of the 13th century as part of the chain of country frontier defence castles. In the 16th century rebuilt as a fortress and representative noble castle by Thurzo, Fuggero (one of the richest families in Europe) and Pálffy families. Palffy were the owners until the Second World War. Today, the castle is a museum. Location:  N 48° 23.580 E 017° 20.052  GPS coordinates: 48.39365, 17.33505 Architecture styles seen in castle: Renaissance, Baroque Cerveny Kamen (Red Stone) castle is situated on a quartz hill over a small village  Pila in the Small Carpathian Mountains. First mentioned in 1240 as part of the chain of country frontier king`s defence castles. Since 1588, when acquired by Palffy, interiors were rebuilt and transformed into a Renaissance-Baroque palace. Nowadays they are well-preserved full of stuccos covered with sculpted apotheoses and scenes from mythology as well as a well equipped the Terrena chamber from the year 1656 created by an Italian artist J. Tencall. In 1970 the castle has been named the National Cultural Monument. Museum is a specialised in documenting, acquiring and preserving the development of residences of the aristocracy and the urban classes in Slovakia from the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century, emphasising the art-history character of the objects and history of the Červený Kameň Castle and the development of military technology at Slovak castles. The castle is today a popular destination for day trips from the capital - Bratislava (45 min by car). photo via flickr
42 ♥
Cerveny Kamen (Red Stone) castle in Slovakia Nicely preserved stone castle built in the beginning of the 13th century as part of the chain of country frontier defence castles. In the 16th century rebuilt as a fortress and representative noble castle by Thurzo, Fuggero (one of the richest families in Europe) and Pálffy families. Palffy were the owners until the Second World War. Today, the castle is a museum. Location:  N 48° 23.580 E 017° 20.052  GPS coordinates: 48.39365, 17.33505 Architecture styles seen in castle: Renaissance, Baroque Cerveny Kamen (Red Stone) castle is situated on a quartz hill over a small village  Pila in the Small Carpathian Mountains. First mentioned in 1240 as part of the chain of country frontier king`s defence castles. Since 1588, when acquired by Palffy, interiors were rebuilt and transformed into a Renaissance-Baroque palace. Nowadays they are well-preserved full of stuccos covered with sculpted apotheoses and scenes from mythology as well as a well equipped the Terrena chamber from the year 1656 created by an Italian artist J. Tencall. In 1970 the castle has been named the National Cultural Monument. Museum is a specialised in documenting, acquiring and preserving the development of residences of the aristocracy and the urban classes in Slovakia from the 16th century to the beginning of the 20th century, emphasising the art-history character of the objects and history of the Červený Kameň Castle and the development of military technology at Slovak castles. The castle is today a popular destination for day trips from the capital - Bratislava (45 min by car). photo via flickr
6 ♥
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. photo via flickr
4 ♥
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. photo via flickr
4 ♥
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. photo via flickr
13 ♥
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. photo via flickr
11 ♥
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