Bojnice Castle Castle

Bojnice Castle, also known as Bojnice Castle or simply Bojnice, is a romantic castle located in the Trenčín region on the western edge of the town of Bojnice. It employs attention with its partly left Gothic and Renaissance architecture, which is visible from most parts of Upper Nitra. In 1970 this historic building was declared a National Cultural Monument.

The history of the Bojnice castle dates back to the 12th century, when there was a wooden castle in its place. The first written mention of the castle comes from the zoborské abbey from the year 1113. In the 13th century, the castle was transformed into a stone building by the Poznanov family, which was mentioned in historical sources as the Hont-Poznanovs. The first known owners were the sons of the great priest of this family.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the castle belonged to various influential families, including Matúš Čák Trenčínsky, who held it until 1321. After his death, the castle became a royal property and later passed into the hands of the Gileth family, Ladislav of Opole, Leustachs, lords of Jelšava and finally the Noffrys. These last ones added to the expansion of the castle and the fortification.

In the 16th century, Bojnice Castle became the property of John Corvinus, the illegitimate son of Matej Corvinus. According to legends, King Matej often visited Bojnice and signed documents under the lipeau before the entrance to the castle with the sentence of -Sub nostris dilectis tillis bojniciensibus.

After the death of John Corvinus, the Zapoľskoks gained a castle that they held until 1526. In the years 1527-1644 belonged to the Turzos, who significantly expanded the castle and let the fortification fortification, thus changing its character from Gothic to Renaissance. After the extinction of the family of Turz, Bojnice castle became royal property and in 1644 it was donated to the Palfi family.

In the second half of the 17th century Pálfiovci rebuilt the castle into a Baroque style, creating a Baroque chapel with a unique stucco vault and figurative fresco. In 1889-1910 Jan František Palfi made the last extensive reconstruction of the castle in neo-Gothic style, which contributed to its current appearance.

In the 20th century Bojnice Castle became the property of Baťa and after Beneš decrees it passed into the state. In 1950 the castle burned down, but was then restored at the expense of the state and in 1970 it was again declared a National Cultural Monument. Today, Bojnice Castle is part of the Slovak National Museum and accessible to the public.

The architecture of the castle reflects its long history, which was reflected in the diversity of construction styles - from Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque to Romanticism and Neo-Gothic. The park with a large lipeau in front of the entrance, which is the largest tree in Slovakia, also attracts attention.

Bojnice Castle today is more than a historical monument - it is a place full of stories and attractions. Its diverse architecture, rich history and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal destination for anyone interested in Slovak cultural heritage. A visit to this romantic castle offers unique views of the past and an opportunity to explore a unique building style that has evolved in various histórical periods.