Come with us on a journey of discovery through the history of the highly respected Pálffy family, whose name was proudly represented by many a palatine, guard of the Hungarian crown, diplomat, general, bishop or robe. Today, the family is primarily remembered by valuable historical monuments.
Stream mill and medieval water castle
Our first stop is Schaubmar's mill, which was built in 1767 by the Pálffy family in the Pezinok part of Cajla. Today, the site with the largest stream mill in Slovakia is used by the Slovak National Gallery to organize various exhibitions and workshops. the program they update regularly, and in addition to the permanent Mlynárs exposition, you will find a rich offer of educational programs here all year round. Nearby, we recommend you visit the reconstructed medieval water castle Šimák Castle Pezinok, which is now a luxury hotel with rare furniture, a world collection art glass and underground, this gem hides the apostolic wine cellars as part of it Viticulture Museum. IN Castle viche enjoy a menu made from local ingredients or have something special in Palffy restaurant.
The main residence of the family on Červený kameni
Above the village of Častá rises one of the most visited castles in Slovakia - Red stone, which the Pálffys chose as the main residence of the family. In its underground, in the largest cellars of Central Europe, you can watch scenic period plays or choose one of the circuits that you can complete as part of guided tours. Nice events are held at Červený kameni all year round: Festival of Forgotten Crafts, Cermenokamenské craft markets, Antiques Market, wine tastings, theater performances and concerts.
French nobility in the countryside
You can find another breathtaking work on the thematic route in Budmericie. The originally hunting manor there is reminiscent of French castles on the Loire River. Count Ján Pálffy had it built based on the project of the famous Viennese architect Franz von Neumann. Budmeric manor house you can see it as part of weekend tours, but the beautiful English park that surrounds it is freely accessible all year round. You can also find a similar romantic building in Smolenice, which was rebuilt by Count Jozef Pálffy the Elder from the ruins of an older castle in the last third of the 19th century.
Renaissance mansion with winery and brewery
In the town of Svätý Jur, you will be greeted by another magnificent building - newly renovated Pálffy Manor with a renewed viticultural and brewing tradition. Taste wines from the winery ViaJur and quality craft beer from the new brewery Pálffy Braurei. Our journey in the footsteps of one of the most famous aristocratic families in Hungary does not end. In Bratislava, you can find city palaces on Zámocká, Ventúrska and Panská Streets, or on Hviezdoslav Square. The Stupava branch of the Pálffyocs built a mansion in Stupava, which serves as a home for social services, and a mill has been preserved in the castle park, where a restaurant now operates. The Malacky branch of the Pálffy family chose a mansion in Malacky as its ancestral seat. The Pálffys also owned the nearby Pajštún! You can reach the originally border guard castle with wonderful views from Stupava or Borinka.
Many of the monuments that bear the seal of the proud Pálffy family no longer exist today. The Pálffys operated mines and factories, contributed to the construction of the forest railway, supported fish farming, established game reserves and game parks. Thanks to them, the region prospered, and you can still find remnants of their activities today, hidden deep in the forests around Bratislava. Thanks to the map application "In the footsteps of the Pálffy family", you can plan your journey to get to know the nobles in detail.
Map guide "Following the footsteps of the Pálffy family."
