Branč Castle
Discover the Enchanting Ruins of Branč Castle!
Nestled on a hill in the picturesque Myjava Hills, the ruins of Branč Castle offer a captivating glimpse into history. Located above the charming village of Podbranč, this ancient site is divided into a lower and middle castle, separated by a deep, dry moat.
As you pass through the gate, you’ll be greeted by the vast expanse of the ruins. The perimeter stone wall, meticulously restored, stands as a testament to the castle’s former glory. To the left, you’ll find the walls of the main structure, surrounded by a lush grassy area. One of the first highlights you’ll encounter is a well-preserved bastion, once a formidable defense against invaders.
Branč Castle is renowned for its stunning panoramic views. From its vantage point, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the northern and central Záhorie region. The castle hill’s silhouette is a prominent feature in the landscape, visible from miles around. Don’t miss the informative board that describes the surrounding hills, adding an educational touch to your visit.
Wandering through the ruins, you’ll uncover more magical views and historical insights. The pretty village of Podbranč below adds to the charm of this destination. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a scenic adventure, Branč Castle is a must-visit spot.
Plan your visit to Branč Castle today and immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of this remarkable site.
What can you visit here?
It was filmed about the castle
Information from the history
history of Branč Castle
Step back in time and explore the magnificent Castle of Branč, a true gem of medieval architecture. Built by the esteemed Magister Aba of Hlohovec between 1251 and 1297, this castle has a rich history that will captivate any visitor. In the early 14th century, the castle came under the ownership of the powerful Matúš Čák Trenčiansky. By the end of the century, it had passed into the hands of Žigmund of Luxembourg, adding another layer to its storied past. The 16th century saw the castle owned by František Nyáry, who later relocated with his family to the charming manor house in Sobotiště. Each era has left its mark, making the Castle of Branč a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Branč Castle – history
In the southeast of the castle is the location of the Old Castle, where there is a hillfort, which apparently disappeared after the construction of Branč Castle in the 13th century. The exact dating of the hillfort is not clear. It was already inhabited in the Middle Eneolithic by the culture with channeled pottery, later in the Lusatian culture, and also in the 8th to 9th centuries. The ruins of Branč Castle are located on the hill of the same name in the Myjava Hills above Podzámok, a local part of the village of Podbranč. The oldest written mention dates back to 1317. The castle covers an area of about 7,500 m2, at an altitude of 480 m above sea level. As the castle stood on a relatively easily accessible hill, its defences were constantly improved. The main entrance to the lower castle is from the east. The entrance to the castle was guarded by two bastions of outer fortifications. Opposite the main entrance is the three-quarter gun bastion of the middle castle, protecting the entrance area from the enemy by firing cannons and small arms. The perimeter walls of the lower castle are interrupted in four places by semicircular bastions.
The castle is divided into two main parts: the lower castle and the middle castle. The middle castle is separated from the lower castle by a distinctly dry deep moat, which increased the natural height of the fortifications of the middle castle. The entrance to the middle castle was originally in the corner (opposite the monument). Even where the ground was level (where there was no moat, but the ground was covered by the fall of the upper and middle castle), the attackers had to cross 80 m of uncovered space (the moat) under direct fire from the castle defenders.
The middle castle is functionally divided into 2 parts: the northern courtyard of the middle castle and the residential palace part. From the courtyard (by the monument) a staircase led up to the atrium courtyard and to the individual rooms. There were 40 rooms – 15 on the ground floor, 20 on the first floor and 5 on the second floor. There was a castle well in the western courtyard of the lower castle (near the monument). There was also an older well in the courtyard of the middle castle (near the only accessible room).
The castle was built by Magister Aba of Hlohovec between 1251 – 1297. This dating was determined by archaeological research – according to the discovery of coins with the years 1251 – 1261. In the following years the castle changed 40 owners. In 1309 the castle was acquired by Matúš Čák Trenčiansky, for a short period of time the castle was also owned by the Czech King John of Luxemburg, in 1394 by Sigismund of Luxemburg. After this year, the reconstruction of the middle castle dates back to the same year. The result was a typical Gothic rock castle with an assault tower, palace, chapel and in the south-eastern corner of the central castle a high fortified perimeter wall.
In the 16th century, the castle became the property of František Nyáry, who married the daughter of the castle lord Korlátko (Cerová), and the last members of the Nyáry family lived there with the whole family, who built a new manor house in Sobotiště (on the square) and gradually moved there with the furnishings. It was a more comfortable residence for them. The castle remained abandoned and fell into disrepair. During the Turkish wars it served as a refuge for the surrounding population, and in the period 1674-1675 it was a temporary prison for Protestant priests who were sentenced to galleys by the Bratislava court. They died in the pits (prison around the perimeter of the wall). This event is commemorated by a memorial and annual services at the castle.
As the castle was abandoned, it was easily attacked and burned by the Turks and the castle remains so to this day.
In 1968 Pamiatkostav Žilina carried out a monument restoration of the castle, which was not completed. Archaeological research has been carried out since 1978. During five seasons, in the uncovered buried rooms, in the individual layers, articles of stone architecture from windows, doors were found; furthermore, shards of majolica, pots and stoves were found. Interesting finds included a decorative stone Renaissance cornice with a shield bearing the date of the completion of the castle reconstruction in 1539 and the monogram of the castle’s owner, František Nyáry. Furthermore, a set of pillars, wooden parts from the original castle, an iron arrow, 2 bullets, an old knife, bronze needles, various kinds of buttons, fittings, a key from a jewellery box and a copper cedi were found.
Where to get tourist information?
Contacts
the municipality of Podbranč is a major investor in the restoration of Branč Castle. Therefore, we are adding a contact to the municipality.
Municipality Podbranč
Podbranč č. 219, 906 05 Podbranč
tel. +421 034/6282 423
e-mail: oupodbranc@podbranc.sk
web: www.podbranc.sk
How to get to the castle?
Branč Castle is a very easily accessible historical place. The castle can be reached by car or bus from Myjava or Senica and from there to the village Podzámok. At the end of the village there is an old cemetery, by which there is a tourist sign, beyond this cemetery you need to climb uphill for about 5 minutes and you are at the ruins of the castle. The road to Branč Castle is gravelly, steeper, but short.
Access to the castle is possible by car or on foot, from the village of Podbranč, from its part Podzámok. The parking lot is located directly below the castle and from there it is a slightly uphill climb along an asphalt road to the castle ruins, about 100 m.
Tips for accommodation?
- Kopanice cottage, Podbranč
- CottageSobotište, Sobotiště
- Holiday cottage Kunov, Senica