Smolenice Castle, Slovakia
Channel: Patrick Beckers
Date: 2023-02-28

Smolenice castle was built in the 15th century as a replacement of a 14th century fortress. It was destroyed at the beginning of the 19th century (Napoleonic Wars) and then fell into ruin. On its remains, the present castle was built in stages (around 1887, at the beginning of the 20th century, 1945-1958 and 1971-1973), using the Kreuzenstein castle (see page 216) near Vienna as a model (around 1900, the then owner also possessed that castle). The castle was damaged during WWII (1945). Since 1945 it has been state-owned and since 1953 used as a conference centre of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Only in the months of July and August the estate is partially open to the public.

More info about and pictures of this castle at 
www.castles-across-europe.com