Dračí hrádok, Gothic castle ruin in Stupava, Slovakia
Dračí hrádok is a Gothic castle ruin carved into the rocks of a hillside south of Stupava. A central prismatic tower anchors the complex, with structures carved to follow the terrain and creating a fortified layout adapted to its rocky setting.
The castle was built in the 13th century under orders from the counts of Svätý Jur and Pezinok to defend regional borders. It gained importance as the area became a key crossing point between different domains of power.
The name comes from a dragon legend connected to this location, a story that remains part of local lore. The ruins shape how people experience the surrounding landscape and draw visitors interested in the intersection of history and nature.
The ruins sit on a hillside in the Little Carpathians and are reachable on foot, though a steep climb is involved. Sturdy footwear and caution in wet conditions are important, as some areas can be slippery.
A striking aspect of the complex is the moat carved directly into the bedrock of the hillside. This careful construction reveals how much effort was invested in shaping the fortifications from the stone itself.
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