Pajštún Castle

Stupava, Slovakia, Slovakia

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Pajštún Castle, near Stupava in western Slovakia's Little Carpathians, originated in the late 13th century as a royal Hungarian border fortress documented by 1273 to protect northwestern frontiers and trade routes. Rebuilt extensively in the Renaissance style from 1550 under owners like the Pálffy family—who added bastions, residential wings, and outer fortifications in the 17th century—it suffered fire damage mid-18th century before Napoleonic troops demolished it in 1809. Its dramatic ruins, including a prominent round bastion and walls, now attract hikers with panoramic views over the valley.