These articles were published in the Spectacular Slovakia travel guide, published annually by The Slovak Spectator since 1996. The latest editions can be obtained from our online shop.

Smolenice

Fairytale castle

By Chris Togneri

A captivating image in the forests of the Small Carpathian mountains, Smolenice is one of the most picturesque castles in Slovakia. The town itself is nothing much - just 4,000 residents and the standard village selection of a couple of restaurants and pubs - but the reason to visit sits on the castle hill above.

A watch castle was built there as early as the 14th century, but was destroyed at the beginning of the 18th century during a revolt of the estates under the leadership of the Rákóczis, one of the wealthiest families in the Hungarian Kingdom from the end of the 16th century till the beginning of the 18th century.

The Smolenice castle you see today was built in the first half of the 20th century by the Pállfy family (which also renovated western Slovakia's Bojnice castle), and was completed in 1945 when the state took ownership. Today, the interior is closed to the public year round and is used by the Slovak Academy of Sciences as a conference and recreational facility.

Although visitors are not permitted inside, the castle and its sprawling green grounds deserve a look. From town, walk north towards the castle and its bright red roofing. A foot path leads up the steep south hill to the castle gates. From there, continue walking around to the west where a huge green park awaits. A cosy pond, which locals congregate around for relaxation in the summer, sits on the western border of the park, where the path twists back to the castle.

Just an hour outside Bratislava by car, Smolenice is a pleasant day trip for those in search of a sleepy little village and absolutely no other tourists.

To get there by train, there are two options from Bratislava: switch trains at either Trnava or Kúty. The Trnava option is quicker at about 90 minutes. Through Kúty, the trip will last up to an hour longer. For train departure times, check www.zsr.sk.

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