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 Bojnice castle Bojnicky zamok (Bojnice Castle) rises majestically out of the densely-forested lowlands near the Mala Fatra region in neo-Gothic splendor, a combination of Royal Hungarian muscle and Hollywood-style production values. It is Slovakia`s great kitsch castle, a grand illusion, a solid old Renaissance-style structure remade by a wealthy count in the late 19th century to mimic the romantic castles of France`s Loire Valley. Comparison to Disneyland are common - and are either the castle`s chief selling point or its downfall, depending on your tastes. The castle was originally built in the 13th century, with heavy fortifications that proved useful when Turkish invaders sacked the town below twice in the 16th century, neither time penetrating the castle. In 1527, the Thurzo family took over the castle and promptly remade it in the Renaissance style. In the 17th century, it received some baroque additions. Then it stagnated for 200 years before being inherited by Jan Palffy, a wealthy heir and castle-makeover enthusiast. Fascinated by the early Gothic royal architecture of France`s Loire Valley, the stuff of romantic fairy tales, Palffy set about transforming the stately, down-on-its-luck space into a palace worthy of his vast art collection. Working closely with a famous Budapest architect, Palffy began his remodelling project in 1890, painstakingly creating the late-Tyrolian Gothic look the castle now has. He scoured Europe for period antiques and carefully installed them in his dream palace. He erected a new pointed tower on the castle`s west wing that completes its modern skyline. Today, Bojnice Castle is a wonderful destination for travelers with children. Rumours that the castle is haunted have led to the whimsical International Festival of Spirits and Ghosts, held in the first week of May. Throughout the summer, the castle draws multitudes with its historical reconstructions and performances; the sight of men in tights clanking around with swords is not uncommon. The complex offers fun for the whole family: there`s a zoo next to the castle. For castle legends, opening hours and other information click on: www.bojnicecastle.sk Nearest attractions from our offer:
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