Travel Tip: Bojnice Castle, stunning piece of medieval architecture...

Dear Steemit friends and followers,

Welcome to my Travel Tip edition where I promote some of the most beautiful places, interesting landmarks and impressive architectural sites of my homeland, the Czech Republic.

Today, I will make a little exception though as the place that I will show you in this post is not actually found in the Czech Republic but in Slovakia, the country that we often call brotherly (due to our long, shared history and culture).

Located in the historic town of Bojnice in central Slovakia (some 60 km from the Czech/Slovakian border), the Bojnice Castle is a majestic medieval castle built in the 12th century.

Bojnice_(Bojnitz)_Castle_(by_Pudelek).jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Creative Commons)

Featuring both Gothic and Renaissance elements, the castle is often considered one of the most beautiful castles not only in Slovakia but in all Europe. Built on a large travertine rock above the town, the Bojnice Castle was owned by wealthy Hungarian families for centuries and it was not until 1945 when the ownership was taken over by the state.

Source: Wikimedia Commons (Creative Commons)

These days, the Bojnice Castle is open to public and it ranks among the most popular tourist attractions of the country. Housing the Slovak National Museum and impressive collections of artworks, the castle welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Thanks to the beautiful exterior that looks like an epitome of a romantic medieval castle, the Bojnice Castle has been featured in numerous films and fairytales. The castle is also famous for hosting the renowned International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits. Held annually at the grounds of the castle in late April and early May, the festival is attended by ghosts, spirits, witches, vampires and other supernatural beings from all over the world.

Source: Pixabay (Creative Commons)