

Bilingual signs throughout (in Slovak and English) make the site very visitor-friendly. Admission is 80 SKK (about $3.20).
The castle was blown up by Napoleon’s army in 1809, and the Communists used it as a border look-out post. It is now under the control of the City Museum of Bratislava.
During the Communist era, visitors were allowed, but fences prevented anyone from walking around to the back of the Castle grounds, as that would have been an easy escape to the West via the rivers.
The castle lies at the confluence of the Moravian and Danube Rivers. The Moravian forms the western border of Slovakia here, with Austria on the other side. The Danube cuts through Austria at this point to the west.
Archeological excavations, which began in 1965, are clearly marked in many places on the grounds. Several are foundations of buildings traced to the 15th century. The oldest I saw were remnants of a Christian church traced to the 5th century, but it is covered by a shelter that made photography impossible.
Incredible views abound in all directions. It is easy to see why this was such a valuable military outpost through the centuries. This is the Danube, looking to the west.

NOTE: Click on any image in this blog to see it full-size.
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