Bojnice Castle

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Built in 1013 as a wooden fort, it was gradually replaced by stone. In the 15th century, it was owned by King Matthias Corvinus, who gave it to his illegitimate son John Corvinus in 1489. Matthias liked to visit Bojnice to work on his royal decrees, often dictating them under his beloved linden tree, which is now known as the "Linden tree of King Matthias". Over the centuries, it was renovated and expanded, eventually becoming and imitation of French castles of the Loire valley. In 1939 it was sold to Ján Baťa, of Bata shoes. In 1945, the castle was confiscated by the Czechoslovak government, and burned down just 5 years later. After the reconstruction, the government dedicated the castle to preserving high art and architecture, and as a venue for cultural events. Congestion inside is kept to a minimum by requiring guided tours.