One of the most famous sights in Slovakia is Devin Castle, which is a real symbol of the country. The fortress stands on a rock at the confluence of the Danube and Morava. Thousands of tourists come here every year to enjoy a walk in the picturesque surroundings of the castle and touch the ancient history of Slovakia. And the children, who come here not much less than adults, can play in a real castle, not a toy one.
Thus, if you want to start acquaintance with Slovakia, Bratislava and Devin are the best choice to do this.
Amazing Bratislava
The capital of Slovakia is a very interesting city with a rich history, culture and many unique attractions. The old streets of Bratislava evoke a romantic mood, recalling the ancient times, when hundreds of cars were not rushing through the streets. The main definition given to this city is cozy. You don’t want to rush here, all the problems that seemed so important are losing their sharpness, and the number of attractions that you must visit makes your stay here truly exciting. One of the most interesting places that tourists seek to see in the first place is the Gothic castle of Devin. Description of this historically important place will captivate every traveler.
Fortress Devin - a symbol of Bratislava
The remains of the fortress are located 8 km from the center of the capital. The harsh castle reminds its visitors of days gone by when it served as a defense for its inhabitants. Everyone who enters the walls of the fortress feels the power that she carried in the days of her glory. This is what makes this place so attractive for tourists who come here from all over the world.
And the picturesque surroundings of the castle are a great place for relaxing and unhurried walks surrounded by nature.
Fortress history
The castle belongs to the national symbols of Slovakia and is one of the oldest buildings. The first structures for the defense of the inhabitants of the country appeared on the site of a modern castle back in Roman times. And already in the 9th century, a fortress stood over Morava, designed to defend against the Franks. The castle of Devin played an important role in protecting the country from external enemies until the end of the 18th century. Surprisingly, even the attempts of Napoleon's army to blow up the citadel could not destroy its walls and towers.
However, the fortress served not only for military purposes. Cyril and Methodius worked here at the personal invitation of the Grand Duke of Moravia Rostislav. They taught worship to local residents, and also translated church books into Old Slavonic. In addition, the famous Amber Route passed through Devin. It was through it that Baltic amber was transported to the Mediterranean in ancient times, when the castle itself did not yet exist.
Features of Devin Castle
In 1961, the fortress was declared a national cultural monument. However, the interesting discoveries that Devin Castle (Bratislava) is rich in continue to surprise archaeologists today. Excavations in the fortress are still ongoing.
The resourcefulness of the builders of the castle cannot but surprise. It seems that the walls of the fortress grow directly from the rock on which it is built. In addition, part of the premises was cut down right in the mountain, as evidenced by the numerous windows in the rock.
Fortress Devin today
Today Devin Castle is the most popular attraction in Slovakia, which is also a museum in combination. The entrance to the fortress is open any day, subject to good weather from 10 am to 4 pm. As for the castle museum, it works only from April to September every day, except Monday. Opening hours - from 10 am to 6 pm. In this case, the last ticket is sold no later than 17:30. On weekends, the castle is open for visitors from 10 am to 7 pm, the last ticket for sale - no later than 18:30.
From the beginning of October to the end of March, you can visit the fortress only to inspect the territory.
The area around the castle
It should be noted that the territory on which Devin Castle (Bratislava, Slovakia) is located deserves a visit no less detailed than the fortress itself. This unique place at the intersection of the Danube and Morava is called the Devinsky Gate. It is noteworthy that on the other side of the river the territory of Austria is already beginning.
From here, an amazing view of the emerald waters opens, and the land itself is under the protection of the state due to its zoological, geological and botanical uniqueness.
Museum in Devin Castle
This place attracts so many people with the fact that a real museum functions in the castle. For tourists, Devin Castle provides excursions, expositions for inspection, which allow you to get acquainted with the past of the country.
There is an exhibition hall where visitors can see various artifacts that have come down to our days since antiquity. In the caves of the hall there are also permanent exhibitions entitled "Architectural development of the Devin Fortress." The exhibits presented here are from the 12th to the 19th century.
Arriving in Slovakia, you must visit Devin Castle, otherwise the impression of the country you have visited will not be complete.
Other activities in the castle
In addition to visiting the fortress museum, Devin Castle offers other entertainments to its visitors. For example, climbing the path to the fortress, you can indulge in such medieval activities as archery. It is noteworthy that it is precisely such entertainments that contribute to the growing popularity of the castle among tourists. Also on the territory of the fortress, you can visit souvenir shops and purchase a lot of little things that will remind you of this wonderful trip for a long time. Here you can choose gifts for loved ones.
However, the most important entertainment during a visit to the Devin fortress is a walk through a surprisingly beautiful area, which is also very well-groomed. Going down to the foot of the hill, you can even have a picnic enjoying a great view of the two great rivers - the Danube and the Morava.
How to get to the fortress
The castle can be reached by a variety of means of transport: by car, public transport, boat, bicycle and even on foot.
Bus number 29 will take you from the New Bridge stop. By boat, you can reach the castle from a special port located in the city center. The port is called Faynorova Embankment. The boat leaves from here twice a day at different times, depending on the time of year.
From late April to late May, then from late August to mid-September, the boat leaves at 11 am and 4 pm. From late May to late August, departure time is 10:00 and 14:30.
However, nothing compares with a walk through the picturesque area from Devin through the natural reserve of Devinsk Mare. The distance is three and a half kilometers, but admiring the amazing beauty of the surrounding area, you will not have time to feel tired.
No matter which route you choose, your destination will not disappoint with its picturesque setting.
Interesting facts about the fortress
Like any fortress, Devin Castle is surrounded by many interesting stories. The most famous of them tells of a Slovak who, during the time of communism, successfully took advantage of the castle’s proximity to the Austrian border. He just flew from the fortress through the Danube in a hang glider and ended up in Austria. After this incident, the castle wall overlooking this side of the river was closed for a long time to visit.
There is also a legend associated with a small tower, which is separate from the others. It is called Maiden's Tower and tells the story of a love story. According to this legend, the owner of the castle fell in love with a girl of noble blood and decided to marry her. The girl shared his feelings and ran away with her beloved from home against the will of her parents. However, the girl’s uncle decided to return her to the family, and then, not wanting to live without her beloved, she rushed from this tower. This beautiful legend envelops the castle with a halo of mystery and romance, creating a certain mood during your stay here.
Village at the foot of the castle
Tourists who came to Slovakia and decided to visit the Devin castle do not bypass the attention of a winery village located at the foot of the fortress. There are several restaurants, cafes, as well as souvenir shops where you can buy gifts for friends and relatives.
But the main feature of this village is the local wine, the fame of which has long left its borders. That is why many tourists who come to the Gothic castle Devin have a desire to enjoy a local drink. In addition, a walk through the picturesque streets is also worth a visit. Here you can relax from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the cosiness of a small Slovak village.
