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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
8 ♥
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 ♥
Lietavský Hrad | Lietava Castle Slovakia Location: 49.160627, 18.684903 Architecture: Gothic One of the biggest castles in Slovakia. Built after 1241, situated in the Žilina District of northern Slovakia, between the villages of Lietava and Lietavská Svinná-Babkovon on the hill Cibuľník in the mountains Súľovské vrchy, in altitude 633 meters, as an administrative and military centre. In the 14th century belonged to Matúš Čák of Trenčín ”Lord of the river Váh and the Tatra Mountains“.In the 16th century Thurzo family gained it. It was reconstructed and fortified, and given its own military garrison. After the death of Imrich Thurzo in 1621 grabby descendants disputed until they lost interest of it. The castle report in 1698 said that the castle was uninhabited and there was only an archive, which was moved to the Orava Castle in the 1760s. After that, the castle was abandoned and not used any more.  The inner part of building features the original Gothic design, while the settlement around the castle is Late Gothic in style. The ruins have recently been restored and are now open to the public, offering a superb view of the surrounding countryside. The castle is for many tourists popular place thanks to impressive atmosphere. You can help with further reconstruction of the castle through World Monuments Fund.
3 ♥
Trencin Castle Slovakia  _ Commemorative Silver Coins 2012 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 the Bohemian 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.
21 ♥
Trenčiansky hrad | Trenčín Castle Slovakia 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.
34 ♥
Trenčiansky hrad | Trenčín Castle Slovakia 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 the Bohemian 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.
13 ♥
Trenčiansky hrad | Trenčín Castle Slovakia 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 the Bohemian 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.
16 ♥
Trenčiansky hrad | Trenčín Castle Slovakia 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 the Bohemian 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. Castle in Trenčín by MaHaKo on Photobucket 
2 ♥
Trenčiansky hrad | Trenčín Castle Slovakia 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 the Bohemian 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. Trenčín by movimientos on Photobucket
11 ♥
Trenčiansky hrad | Trenčín Castle Slovakia 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. photo via TTSTUDIO
26 ♥
Trenčiansky hrad | Trenčín Castle Slovakia _ Historical image 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.
20 ♥
22 ♥
Trenčiansky hrad | Trenčín Castle Slovakia - old photograph 1968 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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Spišský hrad  | Spiš Castle Museum historical image UNESCO World Heritage  One of the largest Castles of the 13th and 14th century military, political and religious buildings in eastern Europe. Location: N48 59 58 E20 46 3Architecture of Middle Ages and early Renaissance : Romanesque, Gothic Spišský Hrad (castle) stands on a dramatic site where the earliest occupation dates back to the Neolithic period (5th millennium BC), and subsequently occupied in the Bronze Age and in the 1st century AD. It was also fortified during the Great Moravian Period (9th century AD). Present castle construction started in 12th cent. It was used as a defense against Tatar incursions from the east. The castle is usually compared with contemporary castles in France and the British Isles rather than those of Central and Eastern Europe.
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Hrad Šintava | Castle Šintava Slovakia  Historical image - 1686 by Justus van der Nypoort Location on google map Known as WATER CASTLE, it was one of the most significant fortifications in Western Slovakia. Important spot already in Great Moravian era, medieval period, and later in the 16th and 17th century protecting European fortress to face Turkish attacks.  In 9th century, it was the connection of Nitra with south Moravia, e.i. the two most important centres of Great Moravia. In 11th century located at the important trade route, which connected Buda (Hungary) with Prague (Czech Republic), therefore it was called the Czech route. During Tartar attacks, it was the main seat of the king Sigismund of Luxemburg, which is proved by several official letters sent from the castle. Originally, it was a water castle, lying at an island in the middle of river Váh.After flood in 1719 the situation changed and the river left its course, which detached the castle from Šintava area. The part with the castle became a part of Sered area. During the time, the castle had several owners, after Turk attacks stoped, it was rebuilt to manor house and the last heritor indebted the possession and the lenders sold it in 1860 to Angelica Princess Alsace d`Hennin. At the beginning of 19th century a remaining castle tower was destroyed. Today it is uncared and devastated. Civil association Vodný hrad (Water Castle) is trying to start protection activities.
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