Pajštún Castle, Medieval castle ruins near Borinka, Slovakia
Pajštún Castle is a ruin perched on a limestone rock at 486 meters (1,594 feet) elevation near Borinka, with preserved windows, arches, and fortification walls surrounding a central courtyard. The standing structures allow visitors to trace the original layout of this frontier stronghold.
Built in the 13th century as a frontier fortress for the Kingdom of Hungary, this castle was part of the kingdom's defensive network. In 1810, Napoleon's forces destroyed it with explosives during their military campaign through the region.
The German name 'Peilenstein' transformed through local dialects over centuries into 'Pajštún', reflecting the region's linguistic diversity.
The site is accessible by following marked trails from Borinka village, with the hike taking around 45 minutes from the church parking area. The path winds through forested terrain, so wearing sturdy footwear and watching for uneven ground is important.
From the castle position, observers can see the Záhorie Lowlands, the Pezinok Carpathians, and on clear days, the ridges of the Austrian Alps stretching across the horizon. This commanding view explains why medieval planners selected this spot as a strategic watchtower location.
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