Smolenice Castle

Region: Trnava Region
District: Trnava
City / Municipality: Smolenice
Tourist location: Bratislava and surroundings (Bratislava a okolie)
Mountains:Little Carpathians (Malé Karpaty)

Category: Castles in Slovakia

Smolenice Castle was built in the 14th century. At the beginning of the 15th century it was royal property. Later it was in ownership of more counts, in the 16th century the castle was owned by the Orszagh family, then nearly two centuries it was in ownership of the family Erdődy. In 18th century, the castle became the property of the Pálffy family - count János Pálffy from city of Pezinok.

The castle was rebuilt in the 19th and 20th century by order of count József Pálffy. First works on the fortification walls started in 1887. The new castle was designed by architect Jozef Hubert. He used Kreuzenstein castle near Vienna as a model, and the works were controlled by the architect Pavol Reiter from Bavaria. During its construction there were masters from Italy, Germany, Austria and Hungary, but also local craftsmens from Smolenice and the surrounding villages.

During World War I, the reconstruction was interrupted and some rooms were temporarily adapted for the archives of the Palffy family. In 1945 the state became the owner of the castle. It was taken over by the Slovak National Council which decided to keep it as their summer-house.

After year 1950 reconstruction of the castle was realized. The reconstruction was finished, castle was furnished and in 1953 the castle become property of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

Present use of Smolenice Castle

Smolenice Castle is the property of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and is made available only partially to the public (gardens, courtyards, reserved rooms). There are organized national and international scientific conferences at the castle, too.

Smolenice Castle - places, nature, attractions nearby

SNG - Gallery of Contemporary Art - The Schaubmar Mill

Bratislava Castle - SNM Historical Museum

Attractions around

Nature around