Description: The Castle, or Hrad, at Nitra is located on the hilltop Pribina Square. The fortifications and Gothic cathedral are the heartbeat of this lovely complex.
Hrad Nitra came into existence between the 12th and 13th centuries. The remnants of the basilica of St. Emeram are still standing today, along with an old cemetery. The first part of Hrad Nitra that was built was the upper cathedral from 1333-1355. The cathedral is split into an upper and lower level that was joined in the 17th century by a broad stairway. From 1622 to 1642, Hrad Nitra went through a baroque remodeling by Viennese artists and architects.
As mentioned before, my friends and I explored Nitra at sunset and didn't have a chance to go inside the castle and cathedral, but the 13th-century fortifications that surround Hrad Nitra are open all of the time for people to walk around and enjoy Pribina Square. We spent the time exploring the fortifications and took pictures in front of the statue of Slovakia's first ruler, who ruled in the 10th century.
The cathedral tower and interior went under another baroque reconstruction in the 18th century, and its final Empire-style reconstruction of the interiors was completed in the 19th century.
The castle fortifications protect the northeast and south sections of the grounds and date from the early baroque period. Stone statues that are on the fortifications and bridge are from the 18th century. Today, Nitra Castle is the seat of the Bishops of Nitra, which has been a seminary town for young Slovak men who wish to enter the priesthood since the 18th century.
It is free to tour the grounds of Nitra Castle and its fortifications, and they are open all day and night.
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