#Bratislavsky Hrad

[joeledsouza-12]

Top 5 Spectacular Castles in Slovakia

Slovakia is a small central European country, which is, in fact, a part of the European Union and can be considered a Paradise on earth, which has a lot of historical and cultural sites as well as picturesque nature. One of its most attractive sights is the great number of impressive castles located all over the territory. Most of these architectural structures are historical buildings that have been erected for centuries to protect Slovakian history and any lover of history cannot afford to miss these architectural masterpieces. Whether you are visiting a medieval fortress or a charming fairy tale chateau, Slovakia is a perfect place to get a glimpse of the historical buildings. If you want to travel to these beautiful attractions, it is important to take note of your Slovakia visa requirements before your trip.

Below are the best five castiles that you will find in Slovakia with considerable details about them.

1. Spis Castle (Spissky hrad)

Spiš Castle is the largest castle complex in Central Europe and a member of the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage. The Gočalgastro castle is situated in the eastern part of Slovakia, and dates back to the twelfth century, the fortress boasts of stone walls and towers. Exploring the area you will feel the history of the castle which used to be the residence of Hungarian kings and noble persons. There are beautiful scenes to be viewed from the top of the castle and they are awesome views of the countryside.

Must-See Highlights: Medieval weapons and armour on display at the castle’s museum as well as other relics from the period.

Best Time to Visit: Summer because the castle puts on plays and cultural festivities.

2. Bratislava Castle (Bratislavsky hrad)

Located on the hill overlooking the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava Castle is a powerful image of the country. This castle has been reconstructed many times during the centuries and it reflects the traditions of gothic, renaissance and baroque styles. It has been recently housing the Slovak National Museum and provides a fantastic view of Bratislava and the Danube River. Here visitors can get not only a historical trip but also an opportunity to get acquainted with Slovak cultural values.

Must-See Highlights: The Crown Tower that gives a round view of the city and neighboring Austria and Hungary.

Best Time to Visit: All through the year though the best time to visit is during the Christmas season since the city sparkles with lights.

3. Bojnice Castle (Bojnicky zaamok)

The Bojnice Castle and its pointed towers, beautiful gardens and romantic architecture resemble the fairy tale. Located in the western part of Slovak republic it is among the most popular and photographed castles in Slovakia. Also it was constructed in the 12th century as a wooden fortress and then was reconstructed in the Gothic and Renaissance styles. It is now a museum and tourists can walk through the grand corridors, medieval rooms and beautiful park.

Must-See Highlights: The once famous annual International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits of the castle.

Best Time to Visit: In spring or in autumn when the landscape around the castle is blooming.

4. Orava Castle (Oravsky hrad)

Orava Castle is among the most impressive examples of the Gothic architecture in Slovakia; it stands on the rocky hill above the Orava River. It was constructed in the 13th century and it currently looks like a strong headquarters which has experienced numerous invasions, burning, and rebuilding. The castle is mainly Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque and it has been used in many films; it was used in the 1922 film Nosferatu.

Must-See Highlights: The night tours, which are as much fun for tourists due to the scary but exciting experience.

Best Time to Visit: July, when the castle is open for medieval fairs and historical reconstructions.

5. Cachtice Castle (Cachticky hrad)

Despite the fact that the castle of Čachtice has a rather gloomy history, it is famous mainly due to Countess Elizabeth Báthory who is said to have tortured people in this castle. Despite the history of horrors in the castle, the ruin site is of interest to historical tourists. Situated in the west of Slovakia, the remains of the castle provide breath-taking views of the hills and valleys. This invites a hike to the top and the sight that meets the visitor is not only historically rich but also naturally endowed.

Must-See Highlights: The castle ruins and the exhibition hall that is devoted to Elizabeth Báthory.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-September, before the onset of the first frost in the mountains, this is the best time for a trek.

How to Plan Your Castle Tour in Slovakia

If you want to get the most out of Slovakia’s stately castles, it is important to read this article and find out more about the rules of entering the mentioned objects. Visa policies of Slovak republics differ with the country of origin, so make a point to check on the documents to use while in Slovakia. EU and Schengen citizens do not require a visa to visit, but citizens of countries outside those zones should apply before time. Besides, one should also look into other tourist destinations and sites because many of these castles are in beautiful areas ideal for side trips and vacations.

Conclusion:

Slovakia’s castles are not just beautiful architectural structures, but they reveal the very soul of Slovakia. From the colossal and imposing castles of the Middle Ages to the Gothic palaces, each of them has its own history. From an architectural perspective, history and culture, or just for a beautiful day trip, Slovakia’s castles are a must-see. Lastly, do not forget to check if your Slovakia visa is available so you can enjoy these gems without any problem.

[travel-journal-from-shirokane]

Bratislavsky Hrad, Castle(Bratislava, Slovakia) ブラチスラバ城★★

I visited Bratislavsky Hrad in Slovakia (^o^)

I heard that Maria Theresia once lived in this castle (^o^)v

スロバキアにあるブラチスラバ城に行って来ました(^o^)

かつてマリア・テレジアもこの城に住んだことがあるそう(^o^)v

[greenbagjosh]

Saturday 5 January 2002 - Train to Bratislava - view of Bratislavský hrad - tram ride to Trznica shopping center - cheap hot dogs and beer

Hi everyone!  Grüezi mitenand!   Hallo allerseits!   Üdv mindenkinek!   Ahoj všetci!

Today twenty years ago, was my visit to Bratislava in Slovakia.  During the Austro-Hungarian Empire it was called Pressburg in German, but not so much anymore, and to this day in Hungarian as Pozsony.  I went there for almost an entire day, though I wish I could have stayed longer.

In 2002, Bratislava was not quite the easiest city to visit from Vienna, despite a decade without communist rule over there.  Getting to neighboring Marchegg and Kittsee in Austria was no particular challenge, but it's about getting the right cross-border service from Vienna's rail stations.  I had to wake up really early, before 7 AM, then eat very fast at the hostel, then hope the 52A bus would arrive at Sauttergasse in time for me to catch the U-Bahn at Hütteldorf to Längenfeldgasse, Meidling and Südbahnhof.  I made it to the Bratislava train, right before the train doors shut.  The train however was an icebox.  It was probably built in the early 1980s or earlier, and the heat was not functioning until the train was halfway to Bratislava.  The train made a few stops towards Parndorf and Kittsee, the last station before crossing into Slovakia.  In 2002 Slovakia was neither a member of Schengen nor the Eurozone.  For that reason, the Austrian border guards gave me a stamp in my passport for Kittsee.  The train went on for five minutes until it arrived at the Petrzalka station.  I thought this was the end station so I stepped off.  It was supposed to go to Hlavni Stanica (central station).  Leaving the platform, I had to present my passport and received an entry stamp.  

At Petrzalka station I had to buy a bus pass.  It was fairly cheap, much cheaper than a day pass in Vienna.  But the machines accepted only coins but no bills.  I had to break a 50 Koruna bill.  Before conversion from Koruna to Euro, the exchange rate was 33.00 per Euro in late 2007.  The bus pass was valid for 24 hours, so about until 9:15 AM the next day.

From Petrzalka to downtown, other than the trains, the only other access was by bus.  I somehow stepped of the bus at Nový Most (new bridge).  Right there was a view of the Bratislavský hrad, or Bratislav Castle.  With my bus pass, I boarded a tram and ended up somewhere at the Krizna and Sancova intersection.  At that intersection still is the Trznica shopping center.  In 2002 it had many local shops, including groceries and clothing boutiques.  They somehow reminded me of what it was like to visit St. Petersburg in 1990.

Although the Trznica was interesting, I did not want to stay there all day.  There was also downtown to see.  And at the Nákupné Centrum shopping center on Spitalska, there were some cheap hot dogs to buy and eat.  And also very cheap beer, about the same quality as Czech pilseners.  After my snack, I took a tram to Hlavni Stanica, so that I could get a more accurate time of departure back to Vienna Südbahnhof that was not too early or too late.  I could not resist buying another Slovak beer at the station.  The first one was so good but I had to be careful to consume wisely, not anywhere in broad daylight and certainly not on the trams or busses.  The train to Vienna would leave around 5 PM.

I took a bus that would connect to the tram at Botanicka zahrada (Botanical Garden) back to downtown.  The tram I took went in tunnel under Bratislavský hrad.  So far that is the only underground public transit in Bratislava.  Plans to build a metro like that in Prague, were only rumors and the Bratislava government has had to shelve the plans.  

About 4 PM I needed to return to Hlavni Stanica.  I took the tram and passed by Rozhlas a Televízia (Radio and Television Slovakia) Slovenska, which is a wide building that gets narrower for each floor, like an upsidedown pyramid.  The trams used to stop right outside Hlavni Stanica but now only trolleybusses go.  Looking at a Google Earth photo of the station, the tram tracks were removed and only trolley bus wires remain.  I bought some postcards and stamps.  Also I had a quick snack at the rail station, and another beer.  At 5 PM I boarded the train.  About ten minutes later it pulled into Petrzalka station.  The customs guards were making sure no one was smuggling goods from Slovakia to Austria.  I had nothing to worry about though.  I arrived in Vienna at 6 PM and was at the hostel about 7:30 PM.  I was very worn out.  But it was a worthwhile journey to Slovakia.  

From then on it would be just four more days left until I would fly home.  

Tomorrow, I visit the Vienna Zoo, see some interesting animals, have a schnitzel lunch at the farm restaurant, ride to Grinzing and back, take the trolley ring to Upper Belvedere, see the Klimt paintings and see the Praterstern Volksrad close down for the night.  Also I take note of fuel prices in Vienna.  

Hope you will join in tomorrow’s adventure!

Ich hoffe, Ihr nehmt am morgigen Abenteuer teil!

Remélem, csatlakozol a holnapi kalandhoz!

Dúfam, že sa zapojíte do zajtrajšieho dobrodružstva!

[notesfromasmallworld]

The red and white modern castle on the grey and rust red classic foundations First mentioned as Prezlava Castle in 907 CE, the castle was a cornerstone and defense fortress for the Hungarian Kingdom from appx 1000 to 1536. Then, for 200 years, it was the seat of the King of Hungary, and where the crown and jewels of the kingdom was kept. St. Martins church under the castle was crowning church for the hungarian kings for several centuries. As part of the Austrian Habsburger Empire, Pressburg Burg (in German) was empress Maria Theresia the Great favourite getaway. It was extended and rebuilt as an imperial stronghold with large areas dedicated for art collections. After the empress and her sons death, it fell into disuse as a palace, and become military barracks and munition storage. In 1811 a great fire destroyed most of the Castle. It was not rebuilt until after 1945. In 1968 the articles of the Chechoslovakian federation was signed her. And the Constitution of the independent Slovakia Republic was again signed here in 1992. Todays white and red finish of the Bratislava Hrád came with the new republic. https://www.slovakia.com/castles/bratislava-castle/ #caste #refurbishment #new #white #red #medieval #foundation #grey #rust #2012CE #bluesky #hill #littlecarpathians (ved Bratislavsky Hrad, Pri Meduze) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVdMPs4J4f4/?utm_medium=tumblr

[tags-sk]

Retratos de viajes- Bratislavsky Hrad Cuantas historias se escondertras esos muros! #hrad #bratislava_ #bratislavskyhrad... https://ift.tt/36jkgUJ , https://tags.world

[fallon-jane]

Bratislava

Bratislava, the beautiful capital city of Slovakia. It sits along the Danube River and borders Austria and Hungary. Bratislava is surrounded by picturesque mountains, hidden castles and vineyards.  The 18th century old town is beautiful to explore and easy to get around as it is pedestrian only. It's known for it's lively bars and delicious cafes.  You will never have trouble finding Bratislavsky Hrad (Bratislava Castle) as from most streets throughout the old town, when you look up you will see it. 

Church of St Elizabeth, or more commonly known as the Blue Church, unites 50 shades of blue. 

Some locals in Bratislava don't like the bright white castle as it is too modern and doesn't even look like what it used to. Bratislavsky Hrad's history dates back to the 9th century, though today it is a 1960s rebuild in Renaissance style; the castle had been destroyed by a fire in 1811. We thought the castle was nice but agreed that the bright colour makes it look too modern and in contrast to the old town, it just doesn't fit. 

Hrad Devín stands on a massive cliff, 212m above the ground and serves as a museum with numerous exhibitions. The oldest traces of a settlement date back to the 5th century B.C. Devín Castle served as a boundary fortress, military station and a trade centre.   Napoleon ordered that Hrad Devín be destroyed in 1809, as part of the regional military neutralisation. 

Overall we enjoyed our short stay in Bratislava. It was lovely that we got to meet some of my Step Mums beautiful family. They were so generous and welcoming, thank you again Babka, Sona, Dusan and his beautiful girlfriend and Tomas for having us. Even though it was 40 degrees and there was a slight language barrier, we enjoyed ourselves and cherished the memory of meeting you all. 

[notesfromasmallworld]

White castle in the night Bratislava Castle, Bratislavsky Hrad, lays on top of the hill overviewing the city, and the landscapes of Slovakia and Austria. The hill is a part of the the small Carpathians, and together with the Danube river and the lowlands marks the border between the great mountain ranges of the Alps and the Carpathians. The first humans left traces of inhabitancy near this hill over 3000 years ago, and in Roman times it was the border between the empire and central Europe. The first castle was built around 900 CE, and the following 1100 years the castle on the hill has been extended and rebuilt. During times of the great kingdoms and empires it has played an important political and cultural role. The last refurbishment ended in the stunning white walls and red roofs of the current castle. The small tower down to the right gives away more of the former style. The lights by night makes the castle visible for miles in and around Bratislava. Today, the Castle function as place of formal representation of the republic and its parliament. It is open for visitors, and in addition to the grand architecture, there are exhibitions of artifacts belonging to the Slovach National Museum. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bratislava_Castle #pressburgerburg #pozsonyivár #littlecarpathians #hill #danube #donau #cityfortress #medieval #architecture #2012CE #nightphotography (at Bratislavsky Hrad, Pri Meduze) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVNG-wwpYmF/?utm_medium=tumblr

[praveslovenske]

Rate this post Výlet na Bratislavský hrad je asi jednou z tých povinných jázd každého Slováka či turistu. Ani ja som neodolal tejto asi najväčšej dominante nášho hlavného mesta a po rokoch som si to na hrad namieril znovu. Výlet na Bratislavský hrad Niekedy sa mi stáva, že niektoré veci beriem už ak... http://ift.tt/2uBXeEh