Enjoy beautiful scenery and absorbing history at one of Slovakia’s most dramatic national monuments, a cliff-top castle perched above two converging rivers.
For almost 1,000 years, Devín Castle watched over Bratislava and surrounding areas from its lofty perch above the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers. It stands on a rocky outcrop, approximately 700 feet (213 meters) above the ground. The well-preserved ruins are surrounded by water on one side and wooded hills on the other, making the locale a lovely spot for a walk.
The earliest mention of the castle in the records is from the second half of the 9th century. It survived until Napoleon’s forces destroyed it in the 19th century. The castle site encompasses the remains of buildings from several different eras, with a Roman tower, a renaissance fortification and traces of a 5th century B.C. settlement.
Enter at the Moravian Gate, through two semicircular bastions. Walk around the grounds and inspect remnants from different historical eras. Next to a deep well in the center of the courtyard is a terrace for viewing some of the sights that can no longer be accessed by the public, such as an amphitheater. This is also a good spot for photos of the Danube River.
Look at the watchtower, known as the Maiden Tower, which is separate from the main castle building. There are numerous local legends about women imprisoned in the tower who eventually jumped to their deaths. View the foundations of the 9th-century Great Moravian church. Go down into the castle’s vaults for the seasonal exhibitions that chart its history.
After your tour of the ruins, get out and explore the local scenery. There are several hiking and biking trails in the area. Rent a canoe and paddle down the Morava River.
Devín Castle is approximately 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) from Bratislava. Get here by riding one of the twice-hourly buses from the city center. Alternatively, bring the car. Parking is available, for a fee, under the castle. Opening time vary according to the season so check the Devín Castle website before visiting. There is an admission fee with reductions for children, students, pensioners and family tickets.
