Nitra Castle

Nitra, Slovakia, Slovakia

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Nitra Castle in Nitra, Slovakia, stands as one of the country's oldest landmarks, built in the 11th century on a hilltop site of a 9th-century Great Moravian hillfort that served as a seat for princes like Pribina, Rastislav, and Svätopluk. The complex centers on a cathedral with Romanesque roots from the 11th-12th century, including St. Emerám Church, expanded into Gothic upper and lower churches between 1333-1355, and later transformed with stunning Baroque interiors, frescoes, and a wide staircase in 1710-1736 under Bishop Pálffy. Its fortifications evolved from medieval stone walls and towers like the legendary Vazilova veža—where Prince Vazul was reportedly imprisoned—to 16th-17th century star-shaped bastions with commander portraits, protecting against Turkish threats, while service buildings and a bishop's palace fill the courtyard. Today, as a national cultural monument and seat of the Nitra Bishopric, it offers museums on diocesan history amid panoramic town views.