Day off and no plan
Why Smolenice Castle? It happened to me, on occasion, to have a day off or free weekend with no plan. Not that I mind. I am quite content to spend my free day with a romantic book all by myself. 🙂 Somebody said that “he likes his own company”. I suppose I like mine too. 🙂
However there is another part of me that wants to see places and explore. So if somebody, say husband, proposes to visit a castle, knowing full well that I am very interested, there are high chances that I say yes. It is not like the castle in the book will go anywhere. Unless I reached the good part and then I have to read that first.
But since there was no crucial part and I kind of got itchy feet we decided to visit another castle. This time Smolenice Castle because it seemed like an easy ride.
Smolenice Castle and my observations
The good part was that it was very close to Bratislava. The bad part was that the road was not the best. Or it was not when we visited.
Okay so the road was not the best but you can take the opportunity to stop on the way and enjoy the nature. In fact depending on the route that you choose you can stop in Modra, Senec or Trnava. Just to have a better understanding how Slovakia looks like outside Bratislava. If you didn’t do that already.
In order to reach the castle you need to do a bit of hiking. Nothing too strenuous. Just enough to keep you in shape.
The courtyard of the castle looks renovated and is quite nice.
In a corner you can admire the wine barrels and some old devices to make the wine.
For a fee you can go inside and have a look. You will not find the usual furniture and accessories. They do have some small collections on display like these old prams for example.
Since the castle is the propriety of Slovak Academy of Sciences they organize all kinds of seminars and conferences there. Sometimes they rent the venue for private events like weddings. Anybody getting married soon? 🙂
And if you decide to take the tour please make sure to visit the tower of Smolenice Castle. The view is beautiful!
And another view from the top!
In case you get thirsty or hungry after this exercise, as long as you have money with you, you will be fine! 🙂 They do have a place where you can buy small things and the village is very close. Cold beer is waiting for you!
Smolenice Castle: Important note
If you plan to visit the castle you should know that is open to the public in July and August!
With respect to the parking we found a place on the street, in the village. The walk/hike was easy.
Let me know what you visit lately!
Enjoy the break!
You may also like:
Bitov Castle, in search of the past
Castle hunting in Slovakia-Cerveny Kamen
Moving to Bratislava-free time
Exploring Brno or another weekend break