Efforts are under way to breathe new life into the ruins of Pajštún Castle, perched above the village of Borinka, near Bratislava.
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The castle has remained largely untouched since Napoleonic troops blew it up in the early 19th century. Now, volunteers from a civic association dedicated to preserving the ruins have begun restoration work in an effort to prevent further deterioration.
“We managed to sign a loan agreement in March, and subsequently joined the People and Castles – A Step Towards Social Economy II project,” said Juraj Balog of Združenie na záchranu hradu Pajštún (Association to Save Pajštún Castle), as quoted by the regional newspaper MY Trnava.
The project has allowed the association to hire 10 workers to help restore the castle.
Destroyed by Napoleonic troops
Built in the 13th century, Pajštún Castle once played a strategic role in protecting a trade route to the Czech lands.
Over the centuries, it passed through the hands of several owners, including the influential Pálffy family.
But the castle gradually lost its importance and fell into disrepair after its owners abandoned it in the 18th century.
Its final major blow came in the early 19th century, when Napoleonic troops blew it up, destroying the entire upper castle.
Today, almost nothing remains of the castle's oldest section, on its southern side.
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Restoring the ruins, step by step
For years, there was little interest in restoring the castle. That began to change about six years ago, when the civic association Združenie na záchranu hradu Pajštún became involved.
The association is now laying the groundwork for restoration.
Workers hired through the state-funded People and Castles project have begun clearing and sorting rubble to prepare the site for masonry work, Balog said. The association also plans to set up facilities to support the restoration, with preparations expected to be completed by the end of the season.
“The first masonry workshop also took place this year,” Balog told MY Trnava.
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The association has also held its first volunteer event, drawing about 25 participants, and plans to organise another before the end of the year.
The restoration effort has received financial support from the Bratislava Region and the town of Stupava. Members of the public can also contribute through an online fundraising campaign.
Alongside the restoration preparations, an archaeological survey is planned. Balog hopes it will provide a clearer picture of what the castle looked like and how it functioned when it was inhabited.
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