Smolenice Castle, Smolenice, Slovakia

Smolenice Castle was built in the 15th century, but it was destroyed during Rákóczi's War of Independence and Napoleanic wars. In 1777, Count János Pálffy from Pezinok inherited Smolenice but did not reside in the castle due to its poor condition and lack of money for rebuilding it. The castle was rebuilt in the 20th century by order of Count József Pálffy. The architect Jozef Hubert designed the new castle by using Kreuzenstein castle near Vienna as a model, and the works were controlled by the architect Pavol Reiter from Bavaria. During its construction there were masters from Italy, Germany, Austria and Hungary, and 60 workmen from Smolenice and nearby villages. The main building has two wings and a tower, and is made of ferroconcrete.

The castle was damaged in the spring of 1945 during World War II, and in that same year the state became the owner of it. Some reconstructions have been made after 1950, and since June 26, 1953 the castle is property of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The castle serves now as a conference centre, and it is only opened to the public in summer season.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Edgar Davey (3 years ago)
Very nice castle. Pretty and cozy

Philipp Martin Dingeldey (3 years ago)
Nice place to visit and hike, or attend weddings. Staff was really friendly. Rooms were very simple but good enough for a night's stay

Martin Melus (3 years ago)
Beautiful castle on a hill above the village Smolenice. It is owned by Slovak academy of sciences accessible for tourist only in summer months June till August. The either symbolic entry fee will give you a guided visit, that will lead you through the nicest places in the castle. The tour ends on the tower top after taking more than 100 steps with a breathtaking view on the land surroundong the castle.

Livia Handlovicova (3 years ago)
Beautiful castle. Great place for weddings, team building, etc. The accommodation can be very comfortable. Very nice views and beautiful nature.

IvanIV100 (3 years ago)
Really nice place to stop by if you are going around it. You can have a lunch there even thi the food id mediocre. There is option of castle tour which is really great ending with going to a tower with beautiful view.

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