Smolenice Castle stands photogenically on a wooded spur above the village of Smolenice, on the eastern edge of the Little Carpathians. What stands there now is largely a Romantic era rebuild by the Pálffy family, built on the footings of a much older castle. It was not finished until after the Second World War. Round towers, steep roofs and small turrets give the exterior its imposing shape, with bastions from the earlier castle surviving at the base. The village side faces east, so the front takes the morning sun. Try and plan your visit to start by walking up from the village, rather than driving, since the towers come in and out of view through the trees to create unique compositions along the way. In the courtyard, the chapel and the surrounding walls give you tighter frames and let you capture the intricate architecture of the castle. The main tower has a terrace looking out over the valley toward Trnava. The castle grounds feature a spacious park and an English garden with a pond that are both open throughout the year. You will need a ticket to access the interior, since it is only open through a guided tour. (You will want to arrange an English tour ahead of your visit.) Weekends outside summer are the best time to aim for since the castle also runs as a conference and wedding venue, so parts of it close for private events at short notice. If you are going in the summer make sure to check their social feeds the day before you drive out. (Smolenice, Trnava Region, Slovakia)
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