More than three hundred grand and elaborate castles, many only evocative ruins, dot the landscape throughout Slovakia. But among them ONE castle stands apart for its superb architectural beauty, rich history and amazing natural surroundings. This is Bojnice Castle (Bojnický zámok) – one of the oldest and most distinguished of Slovak fortresses that in 1970 was declared a National cultural monument. Standing on a travertine hill above the town, on the site of a medieval castle from the 11th century, Bojnice Castle attracts some 300,000 to 400,000 annual visitors from around the world and is an absolute must for any traveler to Slovakia.
The history of the castle is very rich in the events that often influenced the history of Austro-Hungarian monarchy. First written record about the castle comes from 1113 in a document in Zobor Abbey. It is said that the castle was originally wooden and in the 13th century it was rebuild with stone. At the beginning of the 16th century, the castle became the renaissance seat of the local nobility and soon expanded through the construction of two additional wings, built to offer more lodgings for other guests. In the mid-17th century the castle was owned by a Hungarian noble family, the Palffy’s. From 1888 to 1909 the last famous castle owner from the Palffy family, John Palffy, made a complex romantic reconstruction and created today’s beautiful imitation of French castles of the Loire valley. In the 20th century, the castle was turned into a museum.
The interior of Bojnice Castle is truly majestic. There is a room of arms in one tower, compete with all sorts of medieval tools of destruction, including halberds, maces, swords, shining suits of armor. But what appeals visitors most are its exquisite expositions and numerous events held every year. One of them is the annual International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits. The romantic castle is also a popular location for filming fairy-tale movies, such as Fantaghiro and has been featured in many films.
The castle area also includes a Zoo, which is a great venue for children and adults alike, and is considered the most visited zoological garden in Slovakia. This is where 373 different species of animals are found. For children, the Zoo offers a 7-meter-high look-out tower, from which they can slide down, right amongst domestic animals. In the nearby area there is also a park, which creates the castle’s magically beautiful scenery.
A great attraction of the castle is its chapel, designed by an Italian architect, which is one of the most beautiful early baroque buildings in Slovakia. In the castle chapel weddings and other ceremonies can be organized, while once a month the chapel holds a (Catholic Christian) workship. The price for hiring the castle chapel for the ceremony is about $150.
The castle is open between 9 am and 5 pm in the tourist season, and between 10 am and 3 pm in the off seasons. Please note that except for July and August, the castle is closed on Mondays. Guided tours are available at the Bojnice Castle and are provided daily for groups of 10 persons. In the high tourist season you’ll see certified guides in historical costumes, which is truly beautiful. Entry fee is €3 for adults, €1,5 for children (4 to 15 years) and for disabled seniors (with valid card) and €2 for seniors, students (ISIC). Have a nice and memorable day at this beautiful corner of Slovakia!