Devín Castle

The ruins of the castle stand on a rocky crag overlooking the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers. Along with Nitra and Bratislava castles, it is among the oldest historically documented castles in Slovakia. Its was thanks to its exceptional strategic position, already known to both the Celts and the Romans, that the Slavic hill fortress was established here, first mentioned in written records in 864 by the name Dowina. During the era of Great Moravia, it was one of the most important strongholds against the expansion of the Frankish realm. In the first half of the 15th century, extensive construction at the castle site produced an eastern settlement near the castle walls and a new residential palace. Devín also played a key role during the period when Ottoman incursions threatened the region. After this faded, the castle lost its defensive importance, and began to crumble in the 18th century. In 1809, it was destroyed by Napoleon’s advancing army.

Devín Castle was declared a national cultural monument in 1961. Currently the castle serves as a place for meetings and excursions, chiefly for its marvellous view of the surrounding countryside. Devín Castle neighbours the highest hill in Bratislava, Devínska Kobyla, the western section of which is called Sandberg and is well known for discoveries of Tertiary fossils.

The upper part of the castle is still closed due to current reconstruction.


Opening hours:

May to September: Tue - Fri from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, last entry at 5:30 pm
                               weekend from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, last entry at 6:30 pm
October and April: daily except Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, last entry at 4:30 pm


Admission fees:

adults - 3 €
children under 14, students, seniors - 1,50 €
family (adults and children under 14) - 6 €


More information: Here