Gothic castle Devin, Bratislava: description, history and interesting facts

One of the most famous sights in Slovakia is the Devin Castle, which is a true symbol of the country. The fortress stands on a rock, at the confluence of the Danube and Morava. Every year thousands of tourists come here to enjoy a stroll through the picturesque surroundings of the castle and to touch the ancient history of Slovakia. And children who come here are not much less than adults, they can play in a real castle, not a toy.

So, if you want to start dating Slovakia, Bratislava and Devin are the best choice for doing this.

The Amazing Bratislava

The capital of Slovakia is a very interesting city with a rich history, culture and many unique sights. The old streets of Bratislava bring a romantic mood, recalling the old times, when hundreds of cars were not running around the streets. The main definition that gives this city - cozy. Here you do not want to hurry, all the problems that seemed so important lose their sharpness, and the number of places to visit is making your stay truly exciting. One of the most interesting places that tourists want to see in the first place is the gothic castle Devin. Description This historically important place will entice every traveler.

Fortress Devin - the symbol of Bratislava

Remains of the fortress are located 8 km from the center of the capital. The severe castle reminds its visitors of the past days, when it served as a protection for its inhabitants. Everyone who enters the walls of the fortress feels the power that it carried in the days of its 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 an excellent place for rest and leisurely walks in the bosom of nature.

History of the fortress

The castle belongs to the national symbols of Slovakia and is one of the oldest buildings. The first buildings for the defense of the inhabitants of the country appeared on the site of the modern castle even in the times of the Roman Empire. And already in the 9th century there was a fortress above Morava, designed to defend against the Franks. An important role in protecting the country from external enemies, the castle Devin played until the end of the 18th century. Surprisingly, its walls and towers could not destroy even the attempts of Napoleon's army to blow up the citadel.

However, the fortress served not only for military purposes. Here worked Cyril and Methodius at the personal invitation of Grand Duke Moravia Rostislav. They taught worship to local residents, and also translated church books into the Old Slavonic language. In addition, through Devin passed the famous Amber Route. It was for this reason that the Baltic amber was transported to the Mediterranean in ancient times, when the castle itself did not yet exist.

Features of the Castle Devin

In 1961 the fortress was declared a national cultural monument. However, interesting discoveries, which are rich in the castle of Devin (Bratislava) Continue to surprise archaeologists today. Until now, excavations have been carried out on the territory of the fortress.

The ingenuity of the builders of the castle can not but surprise. It seems that the walls of the fortress grow right from the rock on which it was built. In addition, some of the premises were cut directly into the mountain, as evidenced by the numerous windows in the rock.

The fortress of Devin today

To date, the castle Devin - this is the most popular attraction of Slovakia, which in combination is also a museum. Entrance to the fortress is open on any given 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. The working hours are from 10 am to 6 pm. At the same time, the last ticket is sold not later than 17:30. On weekends the castle is open for visits from 10 am to 7 pm, the last ticket for sale is not later than 18:30.

From the beginning of October until 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 the castle Devin (Bratislava, Slovakia) is located, Deserves an inspection no less detailed than the fortress itself. This unique place at the intersection of the Danube and Morava is called the Devin gate. It is noteworthy that on the other side of the river is already the territory of Austria.

From here opens a marvelous view of the emerald waters, and the land itself is protected by the state due to its zoological, geological and botanical uniqueness.

Museum in the castle of Devin

This number of people attracts this place by the fact that the castle has a real museum. For tourists provides a castle Devin excursions, exposition to the 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 survived to this day since antiquity. In the caves of the hall there are also permanent exhibitions called "Architectural Development of the Devin Fortress". The exhibits presented here refer to the period from the 12th to the 19th century.

Arriving in Slovakia, you need to visit the castle Devin, otherwise the impression of the country in which you visited, will not be complete.

Other entertainment in the castle grounds

In addition to visiting the castle museum, Devin Castle offers other entertainments to its visitors. For example, climbing the path to the fortress, you can indulge in such medieval pursuits as archery. It is noteworthy that such entertainment contributes to the growing popularity of the castle with tourists. Also on the territory of the fortress you can visit souvenir shops and buy a lot of small things that will long remind you of this wonderful trip. Here you can choose gifts for loved ones.

However, the most important entertainment during the visit to the fortress of Devin 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 arrange a picnic, enjoying an excellent view of the two great rivers - the Danube and Morava.

How to get to the fortress

The castle can be reached by various means of transport: by car, public transport, boat, bicycle and even on foot.

Bus number 29 will take you from the stop New Bridge. On the boat you can reach the castle from a special port located in the city center. The port "Faynorov Quay" is called. The boat departs from here twice a day at different times, depending on the time of the year.

From late April to late May, then from late August to mid September, the boat sails at 11 am and 4 pm. From the end of May to the end of August, the sailing time is 10:00 and 14:30.

However, nothing compares to walking on a picturesque area from Devin through the natural reserve of Devinska 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.

Regardless of which route you choose, the destination will not disappoint with its picturesqueness.

Interesting facts about the fortress

Like any fortress, the castle of Devin Surrounded by many interesting stories. The most famous of them tells about a Slovak who during the time of communism successfully used the proximity of the castle to the Austrian border. He just flew from the fortress across the Danube on a hang glider and got to the territory of Austria. After this incident, the castle wall that faces this side of the river was closed for a long time.

There is also a legend associated with a small tower, which stands apart from the others. It is called the Maiden Tower and tells the story of love. According to this legend, the owner of the castle loved a girl of noble blood and decided to marry her. The girl shared his feelings and fled with her beloved from home against the will of the 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.

The village at the foot of the castle

Tourists who came to Slovakia and decided to visit the castle Devin, do not ignore the winery village, located at the foot of the fortress. There are several restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops where you can buy gifts for friends and relatives.

But the main feature of this village is the local wine, the glory of which has long since left its borders. That is why many tourists who came to the gothic castle Devin, you want to enjoy a local drink. In addition, a walk through the picturesque streets is also worth a visit. Here you can relax from the bustle and enjoy the comfort of a small Slovak village.

Reviews of the visit of the castle Devin

It's no secret that when choosing a place of rest, reviews are important. Devin Castle Leaves only positive impressions for tourists. Many believe that a trip to Slovakia without visiting this place is simply impossible. Others mark the visit to the fortress as one of the most vivid memories of their stay in Bratislava. Advantages mentioned by tourists who visited Devin Castle are as follows:

• An unusually picturesque area;
• Interesting exhibition compositions;
• The opportunity to touch the history of the country;
• Well-groomed territory;
• Interesting stories of museum workers;
• Low entry cost;
• Large selection of vehicles;
• Clean air and beautiful view from the castle;
• Excellent wines that the locals make.

These are the most important positive points that people who have visited this place remember. It is noteworthy that no negative feedback was received on visiting the castle, which is rare.

Thus, we can say with certainty that Devin (the castle, Bratislava) is a historical place, Which must be visited when visiting Slovakia. You can also go there, staying in Austria, given the proximity of the fortress to the border between countries.