Day trip to Devin Castle

November 17, 2022 · by Dano · in Slovakia

Today starts our first day of the Bratislava Pass. This pass allows for entrance into museums, galleries, and most official sites here in Bratislava, as well as full use of all public transportation. We purchased the 48hr ticket so we have two days to see what Bratislava has to offer.

Weather isn’t the best for touring. There is a dense fog in the mornings, some misty rain and temps with a high of 48⁰. But, can’t control the weather so on with the coats and off to see Devin castle.

The site of Devin Castle was first a strategic stronghold during the Great Moravian period, between 800-900AD. At that time, it was located in Moravia which consisted of present day Austria, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Great Moravia collapsed sometime around 902-907AD with the death of its ruler and an invasion by the Hungarians. But Devin castle lived on.

Beginning of the Carpathian Mountains

Devin Castle ruins

Devin Castle

From the 13^th to the 15^th century, Devin served as an important crossroads for the “Amber Road” and the trade route that followed the Danube River. Several families have owned this castle over the years with the last noble family being the Palffys in 1635. During the Napoleon Wars, French troops planted explosives under the castle and reduced it to ruin. In 1932 the Palffy family sold the castle to the Czechoslovakian Republic for 1,000 Crowns.

Secret entrance

The Danube and Austria just in the background

Castle view

Over the years there have been many archeological expeditions on the castle site resulting in findings dating back to the pre-Roman era suggesting that this site has been occupied since Neolithic times.

Roman ruins at Devin Castle

Roman ruins

There are many tales about the castle and the battles, but one love story seems to be told by everyone. The story is about Nicholas (Lord of Devin Castle) who fell in love with Margaret of Carinthia. Her father refused to consent to the marriage, but Nicholas ran off with Margaret. Her uncle, and his army, followed them to the castle and soon had them cornered in a small tower. Nicholas was greatly outnumbered and was killed by the army. Margaret was so distraught with his death; she threw herself out of the tower and into the Danube where she drowned. And, as legend has it, this is how the tower got its name, the “Maiden Tower.”