Bojnice Castle

Bojnice Castle (Slovak: Bojnický zámok) is a historic castle complex located above the town of Bojnice, which lies on the Nitra River near Prievidza. The site has medieval origins and is first mentioned in the 12th century; surviving architectural elements include Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance features. In later periods the castle took on a Romantic, château-like appearance through restorations and reconstructions, contributing to its reputation as a fairytale landmark. Historically the castle passed through the hands of Hungarian kings and noble families; in the 20th century the territory became part of Czechoslovakia after the Treaty of Trianon, and the castle was acquired by a Czech entrepreneur in 1939. Today it functions as a major tourist attraction with organized visiting hours and is frequently used as a filming location for fantasy and fairy-tale productions.