Cerveny Kamen Castle, Častá, Slovakia

Červený Kameň Castle was built in the 13th century as part of the chain of the Kingdom of Hungary’s frontier defense castles ranging from Pressburg to Žilina. Although the Fugger family built the massive fortress in the first half of the 16th century on the site of an original royal castle, its history is connected with the Pálffy noble family. This important Hungarian aristocratic family gradually altered it into a stately residence with rich stucco ornamentation and frescos in the interior.

The Pálfis inhabited the castle until 1945. The visitors can admire the famous times of the Castle and scenes from its rich history primarily during fencing festivals and falconers shows. Summer night tours of the Castle also have their special atmosphere.

Nowadays the Castle houses a museum presenting historic housing of the nobility.

References:

Slovakia Travel

User Reviews

Peter Dolezel (2 years ago)
Nice to see place. A castle in good state. Usually some of the old handicrafts. Quite big parking. Also a good viewpoint. Suitable for a walk in the forest.

Martin Gajarský (2 years ago)
I've been coming here for the past 30 years. The most tourist friendly castle in western Slovakia (along with Trencin castle). Features: Regular tours also in english, a cafe, a small vine cellar with vine tasting and a shop, a bird of pray zoo with a bird show and a restaurant. It's surrounded by scenic Little Carpathian nature. Frequently has historic events.

S James (3 years ago)
Up there in the top 5 castles I've ever been to. The tour was great and the history is quite interesting. There are many aspects to this castle which I had never encountered elsewhere. The birds of prey exhibit in the grounds is amazing. I developed a new love for owls. I will go again if I get the chance. A must visit if you're near Bratislava.

Matus Menhart (3 years ago)
Parking is free, without problem. Castle is well maintained with interesting expo. Weekends are mostly full, due to various events

Theme Park Slovakia (3 years ago)
One of the best castles in Slovakia!!! Amazing parks, animals and wine. Worth to visit! Great for kids.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Erik Christensen, Porkeri

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Kirkjubøargarður

Kirkjubøargarður ('Yard of Kirkjubøur', also known as King"s Farm) is one of the oldest still inhabited wooden houses of the world. The farm itself has always been the largest in the Faroe Islands. The old farmhouse dates back to the 11th century. It was the episcopal residence and seminary of the Diocese of the Faroe Islands, from about 1100. Sverre I of Norway (1151–1202), grew up here and went to the priest school. The legend says, that the wood for the block houses came as driftwood from Norway and was accurately bundled and numbered, just for being set up. Note, that there is no forest in the Faroes and wood is a very valuable material. Many such wood legends are thus to be found in Faroese history.

The oldest part is a so-called roykstova (reek parlour, or smoke room). Perhaps it was moved one day, because it does not fit to its foundation. Another ancient room is the loftstovan (loft room). It is supposed that Bishop Erlendur wrote the 'Sheep Letter' here in 1298. This is the earliest document of the Faroes we know today. It is the statute concerning sheep breeding on the Faroes. Today the room is the farm"s library. The stórastovan (large room) is from a much later date, being built in 1772.

Though the farmhouse is a museum, the 17th generation of the Patursson Family, which has occupied it since 1550, is still living here. Shortly after the Reformation in the Faroe Islands in 1538, all the real estate of the Catholic Church was seized by the King of Denmark. This was about half of the land in the Faroes, and since then called King"s Land (kongsjørð). The largest piece of King"s Land was the farm in Kirkjubøur due to the above-mentioned Episcopal residence. This land is today owned by the Faroese government, and the Paturssons are tenants from generation to generation. It is always the oldest son, who becomes King"s Farmer, and in contrast to the privately owned land, the King"s Land is never divided between the sons.

The farm holds sheep, cattle and some horses. It is possible to get a coffee here and buy fresh mutton and beef directly from the farmer. In the winter season there is also hare hunting for the locals. Groups can rent the roykstovan for festivities and will be served original Faroese cuisine.

Other famous buildings directly by the farmhouse are the Magnus Cathedral and the Saint Olav"s Church, which also date back to the mediaeval period. All three together represent the Faroe Island"s most interesting historical site.

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