Walking through many European cities is like taking a trip to the past.
Visitors and residents get to live history as they traverse the narrow winding streets of cities and towns across the continent.
One of the significant attractions left by ancestors is the countless castles that dot the landscape.
Slovakia is one of the countries with the most castles per capita.
Bratislava, the country’s capital, and the surrounding area have numerous castles to enjoy, but how do you know which to visit?
If you have a wanderlust state of mind and want to learn more about the most beautiful castles in Bratislava, keep reading!
12 Most Beautiful Castles in Slovakia
Beckov Castle
As a dominant structure on the horizon, Beckov Castle is one of the oldest remaining from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Situated on a cliff overlooking the longest river in the Slovakia-Vah region, the castle was constructed by Duke Ctibor to enjoy the musings of his clown Becko.
Sitting below the castle is the town museum, which provides excellent insight into the castle and the town’s history.
The best route is to visit the museum first to learn about the history, then explore the castle grounds to experience the information you just retained.
Bojnice Castle
One of the most visited and beautiful castles in central Europe, Bojnice Castle holds many events throughout the year, including Christmas events, night visits, and a ghost festival.
As you walk through the beautiful halls, you will learn about the many stories and legends that originate in this castle.
Some are scary, while others are some of the most heartwarming tales you’ve ever heard.
So when visiting the old Bojnice town for the zoo, falconers, prehistóric museum with children, or thermal spa for adults, ensure this castle is on your list!
Bratislava Castle
Overlooking the Bratislava City Center is the castle named for the city it protects.
When first approaching Bratislava by river or land, the castle is the first landmark you notice, towering over the region.
Constructed in the 9th century, Bratislava Castle proudly stands on the hill above the Danube River and has carved itself as a symbol of the city.
11 kings and eight queens have been crowned in the great hall of this castle.
Bratislava castle is comprised of four wings, each with a corner watchtower.
Today, the Slovak National Museum lies within its walls to show the history of the country.
Bratislava residents and visitors use the outside of the castle to relax and enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Cachtice Castle
Cachtice Castle is considered one of the more mysterious strongholds in Slovakia.
Although part of this castle is in ruins, the tower helps maintain its beauty.
It’s become a popular attraction because of Elizabeth Batory, a bloody countess.
She believed that to stay beautiful and young; she had to take baths in virgin blood.
As a result, 600 young girls were killed in this castle because of her beliefs and practices.
However, she was caught and convicted, with the punishment being a life sentence in prison in 1611.
This story continues to live on within the walls of this castle and is the subject of many theater and literary works.
Devin Castle
Just up north of Bratislava City Center sits Devin Castle.
Builders constructed this castle in the perfect location at the confluence of the Moravia and Danube Rivers.
In addition to the beauty of the castle and surrounding landscape, the inside of the stronghold serves as a museum that features a variety of exhibitions year-round.
Even if you choose not to visit the museum, the castle boasts a relaxing atmosphere and picturesque sights like the Maiden Tower, which boasts interesting legends of beautiful virgins imprisoned in the tower who jumped to their deaths.
Other historical facts, like Napoleon’s ordering to destroy the castle, will also be revealed when visiting.
Filakovo Castle
Overlooking the town of Filakovo, the ruins of this spectacular castle survived the 13th-century Tartar raids but remained in Turkish hands for over 40 years.
When viewing the castle, the remnants allow you to envision the structure in all its glory when first built.
While parts of this castle are in ruin due to the severity of time, explanatory boards of the geology and history are scattered throughout the grounds.
Interestingly, when visiting, you will learn that the hill is part of a marginal tufa mound left over from a volcanic crater.
Krasna Horka
Located near Roznava, Krasna Horka is translated to Beautiful Hill, and this majestic castle is situated in the heart of Slovakia.
In the castle chapel rests Sophia Andrassy-Seredy, the Krasna Horka Lady.
Her sarcophagus has become a major attraction for the castle and area.
Unfortunately, in 2012, a massive fire hit the castle, causing the roof to burn down, and it continues to be under construction.
Until this fire occurred, Krasna Horka managed to escape centuries of plundering, erosion, war, and degradation through time, making it just as beautiful as the day it was built.
Once the reconstruction is complete, this castle will continue to be a beautiful Roznava attraction.
Nitra Castle
As one of the most spectacular castles in Slovakia, Nitra Castle is surrounded by natural beauty, which boasts the experience for visitors.
Constructed in the 11th century over the ruins of Slav fort in the middle of Nitra Old Town, this castle’s striking beauty is greatly enhanced by Mother Nature’s work, comprised of cloud-blanketed mountains, gently rolling hills, and a vivid green meadow.
This unbelievably picturesque destination is a must-visit when in the country and the ideal location for shutterbugs.
Also, for the European history buffs out there, Nitra Castle has plenty of interesting facts and tidbits to learn and retain.
St. Emmeram’s Cathedral is the castle’s heart, which also has a Bishop’s residence and comprises multiple components.
The earliest built section dates back to the Romanesque Church of St. Emmeram, which is from the 11th century.
The other two sections are the Gothic upper church from the 14th century and the lower church from the 17th century.
Orava Castle
Located atop a high rock formation to keep a watchful eye that passes along the river, Orava Castle is one of the biggest and most beautiful because it blends well with the surrounding landscape.
Built in 1241, Orava Castle is a Medieval marvel of grandeur.
In 1800, the original castle burned down but was renovated almost immediately by Francis Zichy.
The numerous exhibitions and journeys around the castle’s interior and grounds will immediately transport you back in time.
In addition, theater performances and night walks in warmer weather are becoming more frequent and are popular activities for visitors of all ages.
Primacialny Palac
Primacialny Palac, or the Primate’s Palace, is one of the country’s most beautiful classicist buildings, located in the heart of the capital, Bratislava.
Constructed between 1778 and 1781, this castle was designed for Archibishop Jozsef Batthyany by Melchior Hefele.
It is currently the seat for the city’s mayor and is considered one of Slovakia’s architectural and historical gems.
When wandering inside, Hungarian kings can be found immortalized on the numerous canvases and tapestries on the walls of the extensive gallery.
Pay special attention to the incredibly rare six 17th-century English tapestries.
Also, don’t miss the Fountain of St. George and the Dragon, which shows the mythical knight slaying the beast with his lance.
Additionally, this is where Napoleon signed The Fourth Peace of Pressburg peace pact in 1805.
Spis Castle
Perched atop a cliff, this castle’s beauty is derived from its size.
Spis Castle boasts hundreds of years of interesting history as one of the largest castles in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Once inside, you can enjoy the picturesque views of Spisska Kapitula and Spisske Podhradie, and they even catch a glimpse of the Tatra Mountain foothills on a sunny day!
One interesting fact is that sousliks (ground squirrels) live in the castle gardens, so you may see them running around when you are silent!
Trencin Castle
In addition to Devin, Orava, and Spis, Trencin Castle is one of the continent’s largest and, therefore, most beautiful.
Like many others, this castle was constructed on a steep rock formation to give defenders leverage over the enemy and see invaders heading towards the property.
One of the most popular Slovakian legends originated at Trencin Castle.
The story tells of the lord of Trencin Castle, Stefan Zapolsky, seizing the most stunning princess of Turkey, Fatima.
Turkish prince, Omar, traveled to Slovakia with carriages of gold to buy Fatima off since he loved her.
The lord advised Omar to dig a well in the courtyard to extract water from the hard rock beneath.
After four years of backbreaking labor, he drew the water, and the lord blessed Omar and Fatima to leave together and live happily ever after.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest castle in Slovakia?
Spis castle is the largest in the country and one of the most popular and beautiful due to its dominant view atop a cliff overlooking the entire region.
Is Bratislava Castle worth visiting?
When visiting the country’s capital, spending a few hours in Bratislava is a must.
In addition to being a stunning castle and learning the history of the region, it also provides spectacular views of the city.
Additionally, the grounds are well-manicured, which makes for a relaxing walk or romantic picnic on a sunny day.
Why does Slovakia have so many castles across the country?
Given that Slovakia is a naturally mountainous region, it’s the ideal location to have castles and fortresses that give defenders the leverage advantage against invaders.
Building on top of cliffs, hills, and mountains also gives defenders a viewpoint of the entire region to prepare for approaching enemies.
What is the oldest castle in Slovakia?
Nitra Castle is considered the oldest.
Since the castle has multiple components, various parts were constructed at different times, with the original chapel being constructed in the 11th century.
