Castle Origins

Marvel at Devín Castle's breathtaking views over the beautiful Danube and Morava rivers, while soaking up its long history of settlement.
This strategic position was originally populated by the Celts, before becoming a stronghold for the Slavs and their kingdom of Great Moravia during the 9th and 10th centuries.
It was during the first period of castle development in Slovakia, around the 11th and 12th centuries, that castles like Devin were first built upon the defensive settlements of Great Moravia. Slovakia has the perfect topography for castle building, with its high ground and ample sources of rocks, and the people of Great Moravia had a keen eye for populating these strategic positions, and the castle builders took full advantage of this foresight.
As well as being one of the oldest castles in Slovakia, the site of Devin Castle is also famous for its association with the saints Cyril and Methodius. It was from here that the saints started their mission in 863.
Today, the castle is in a mostly ruined state, which can be blamed on Napoleon, since it was the French Emperor that ordered the castle destroyed in 1809. This marked the fifth phase of castle development in Slovakia, or rather their decline. From the 17th century as the Habsburgs strengthened their grip on the country, through to the Napoleonic wars, the importance of most Slovakian castles waned and indeed many were destroyed during this time.
Closed on Mondays. Check accurate Open Hours online.

Enjoy a traditional meal on the terrace at this popular hotel and brewery near the historic center of Trnava. Try their steak, or perhaps their spare ribs and maybe pair the dish with one of their beers brewed on site. More information online.
If you enjoy their beer, then you may want to consider returning to Sessler for a longer stay to enjoy a relaxing time at their unique 'Beer Spa'!

The second phase of castle building in Slovakia occurred after the Mongol-Tartar invasion of 1241. There was a panicked attempt to defend the country, with new castles like Čachtice being built, as well as older castles being reinforced.
The construction of Čachtice Castle began in the first half of the 13th century, having been initiated by King Bela IV. The castle continued to dominate the landscape until it was abandoned in 1708, only for it to burn down in 1799.
Opening hours depend on the season. Check accurate Open Hours online.

The striking ruins of Beckov Castle dominate the small village 50 meters below, as well as the important Váh River and the ancient trade route that passed by.
Constructed just prior to the Mongol-Tartar invasion, on the remains of Great Moravian defensive works, Beckov Castle proved its worth by repulsing attempts to take it.
The fourth period of castle building in Slovakia - the attempt to guard against Ottoman expansion in the 16th and 17th centuries - is quite evident at Beckov. The castle rebuilt after the Battle of Mohacs in 1526 by the Bánffy family, with defences strengthened and a Gothic church being built. The rebuild was a success, since the fortifications were sufficient to rebuff a siege laid by the Turks in 1599.
The castle, however, ultimately succumbed to fire in 1729 and it was not until the late 20th century that the castle was designated a national cultural monument and received significant renovation - which marks the seventh, and so far final, period of castle development.
Opening hours depend on the season. Check accurate Open Hours online.

Park your car at your accommodation for the evening and walk through the historic centre of Trencin to the restaurant.

Trencin's tradition of brewing beer stretches back to at least 1380, so make sure to enjoy your well earned dinner with one of the tasty beers brewed on site.
Look out for Lanius' excellent selection of cheese starters, and for a main course, you can't go wrong with one of their excellent pork dishes or steaks.

Take a walk through the historic town centre as far as the theatre, before walking back round towards your accommodation.

Continue back towards your accommodation for the night, passing the historic synagogue, which was built in 1913 and serves the 2,000-strong Jewish community.

Enjoy your overnight rest and prepare for your next day which will be full of adventure.