Devín Castle
A ruined castle on a cliff where the Morava meets the Danube, occupied since prehistory and blown up by French troops in 1809.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Devín stands on a rock where the Morava joins the Danube, a position occupied from the Bronze Age through a Roman garrison and into the Great Moravian period, when it was a significant centre. The medieval castle on top was blown up by Napoleon's troops in 1809 and has stood as a ruin since. The Maiden Tower on a separate pinnacle is the image everyone knows. Excavations continue and a museum displays what has come out of them.
What you actually see
- The cliff position - the rock above the Morava and Danube confluence.
- The Maiden Tower - a small tower on a detached pinnacle above the river.
- The excavations - Roman and Great Moravian remains within the walls.
- The upper castle - the ruined medieval keep on the summit.
When to go
April to October is the season; the castle keeps reduced winter hours and closes on Mondays. Boats run from Bratislava in summer. Weekends are busy.
Honest expectations
The site is a ruin and much of what is described is foundations. The climb to the upper castle is steep. Interpretation is limited and mostly in Slovak.
Nearby
Devinska Kobyla is north, and Bratislava is east.
What to pack for Devín Castle
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
