official site for visitors to Bratislava  

This strategically important site has been populated by several nations, from the Celts, Romans, Goths, Lombards and many more. The oldest traces of Slavs are from the 8th century. In the 9th century an exceptionally important Great Moravian fortress stood here, connected with the name of prince Rastislav. The fi rst written mention of Devín is from the year 1223. From the 15th century the castle belonged to renowned aristocratic families. In 1809 it was blown up by the Napoleonic armies. In the 19th century it became an important site for the awakening movement of the Slovak National Revival.
Today a renaissance fortress with a battlement stands on the narrow cliff. Legend has it that a bride jumped from there on her wedding day, when her family killed her prospective knight Mikuláš and wanted to send her to a convent.
Devín is an excellent location for walks, not only to the monuments located within the entire complex, but also in the superb surrounding countryside.