AROUND MODRA – THE REGION

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AROUND MODRA – THE REGION

Červený Kameň castle

This magnificent castle, with cellars that are some of the largest in Europe, is situated near the village of Častá. It takes 20 minutes from Modra by car, but you can also take the bus or the hiking trails.

You can tour the castle expositions, cellars, the falconers’ courtyard, the dry moat, or take in the panoramic view of the complex from the northern bastion.

The castle was likely established in the 13th century, but it was modified by two different wealthy merchant families, the Thurzós and the Fuggers. They both used the castle for copper trading, which is why they turned it into an impregnable fortress. You can come for a visit practically any time of year.

Pezinok

The first written mention of this town dates to 1208, and there are many interesting places to see.

In the town centre, you will find museums, a castle, and winegrowers’ houses. The interactive expositions at the Malokarpatské múzeum (Small Carpathian Museum) will guide you through the history of winegrowing and winemaking at the foot of the Small Carpathians. The museum has one of the largest collections of wine presses in Europe. You’ll be offered a glass of wine during your tour.

The exposition at the Mestské múzeum (City Museum) presents the town’s history from prehistoric times through modern times. The numerous archaeological finds reflect the significant events, the inhabitants’ way of life, the privileges, and the jobs held by ancient Pezinok residents.

Šimák Zámok Pezinok is situated not far from the town centre. This water castle originally belonged to the earls of Svätý Jur in the 13th century, and was later owned by the Pálffy family. Private owners renovated the dilapidated castle and today it offers lodging, houses an artistic glass gallery of European importance, with beautifully appointed salons, a wellness centre, and a kitchen serving excellent food. Take a stroll through the castle park, an oasis of calm in the midst of a bustling town. There is a small pond, plenty of greenery, and you might also encounter a peacock or two.

A bit farther from the town centre is a well-preserved water mill with working parts. It is part of the Slovak National Gallery; a milling exposition and art gallery are located in one of the tracts of the mill, surrounded by a beautiful garden and orchard. Throughout the year, the mill is the venue for fairs, concerts, workshops, children’s programmes, and other activities.

Svätý Jur

The city centre is a conservation area and there is plenty to keep you busy for the day in one of the five western Slovak winegrowing towns. One of the most noteworthy monuments is the Hradisko Neštich hillfort, which encompassed over 3 hectares in the 9th and 10th centuries. Many archaeological finds continue to be uncovered at the site, evidence that not only was there a settlement here but that they also had a vast system of trade with very distant places.

Biely Kameň, a castle in the early Gothic style, was built nearby in the 13th century. It was home to the earls of Svätý Jur, who also owned the castle in Pezinok and Červený Kameň castle. A visit to the ruins, just a short jaunt from the town centre, makes for a nice outing.

On your way to Biely Kameň, stop by the Church of St George with its wooden bell tower. This gothic church represents some of the oldest architecture in town. It is situated above the fortified, historical centre of the town where a discrete part of Neštich once stood. Only some of the town’s fortification walls, built from 1603 to 1647, have been preserved. Winegrowing and artisanal activity led to Svätý Jur being granted royal free town status in the mid-17th century. Winegrowing architecture can still be seen in the town – large, pass-through gates and arched-ceiling cellars beneath the houses. Many have been renovated to accommodate the needs of modern winemakers. Their wines are offered at the local wine centre, Vínocentrum, which we recommend visiting. Also worth a visit is the Pálffy Manor House, a renovated, 17th-century Piarist monastery, as are the renaissance houses that today are home to coffee houses and wine bars.