Bojnice Castle

Bojnice is the most romantic and most visited castle in Slovakia, a fairy-tale confection of pointed turrets and towers that a count remodelled in the late nineteenth century in the style of the French Loire chateaux, on the foundations of a medieval castle. With ornate interiors, a cave beneath and a zoo and thermal spa beside it, it is a beloved family destination.

Background

The castle is first recorded in 1113, in a document kept at Zobor Abbey. Matthew III Csák became its first owner in 1302, and in 1489 King Matthias Corvinus passed it to his son John Corvinus. The Thurzó family acquired it in 1528 and rebuilt it, and from 1646 the Pálffys owned it. Count János Ferenc Pálffy (1829-1908) carried out the romantic rebuilding from 1888 to 1910 and set up the museum in his 1907 will. A fire on 9 May 1950 destroyed all the towers of the middle castle, but repairs were done by the autumn of 1951. The cave, 26 meters beneath the 4th courtyard, is travertine, 22 m across and 6 m high, with two ponds.

Source: Wikipedia, "Bojnice Castle"

What you'll find

• The fairy-tale exterior - the turrets and towers of the romantic castle.
• The ornate interiors - the richly decorated halls and the golden hall.
• The castle cave - the natural cave beneath the castle.
• The zoo and spa - the neighbouring zoo and thermal spa town.

When to go

The warm months for the castle, gardens and the neighbouring zoo and spa; it hosts popular themed events like the festival of ghosts. It is a family favourite, so it is busy in season.

Good to know

It is a nineteenth-century romantic remodelling rather than a genuine medieval castle, which is its charm but not to all tastes. It is very popular with families, so it is busy, especially during events. The interiors are seen on guided tours.

Nearby

The spa town of Bojnice and its zoo are alongside; the central Slovak hills spread around.

Key facts