In the area of 49,000 square kilometres at the historic crossroads of cultures, religions and conquerors Slovakia boasts more than 300 old castles and ruins. The castle in the photo bears the name Hrad Beckov and stands proudly on the Beckov cliff on the road that runs from Bratislava to High Tatra mountains. Many legends are told about the place, but nobody really knows who its first owners were. The fact we do know is that it was built to protect the borders of the Kingdom of Hungary and that it dates to the middle of the 13th century. In the 14th century Sigismund, the King of Hungary, gave the castle to Stibor of Stiboricz, a Lord of Polish descent. Stibor owned 31 castles, but he was particularly attached to this one. He took special care of it and rebuilt it in the Gothic style. A few years later Sigismund made Stibor the Duke of Transylvania (now in Romania), and the owner of Bran Castle aka the Dracula’s Castle.
This is the first in the series of posts themed “Traces of the past”. I will publish photos of structures belonging to different periods and countries. You are invited to join me and to interpret the theme as freely as you want. This challenge will appear again in June, and every other month after that. Waiting for your entries I wish you a glorious Thursday…
Check out the links bellow to see the entries for this challenge:
What a lovely mix of shapes and colours and good story and music too. How many boxes are there to tick? You must tick them all. My traces of the past this week have been in ancient rainforest in northern Australia.
Still in draft form. I’m twenty posts behind my holiday experiences: and this time next week I’ll be en route to Warsaw, and more traces of a very different past.
Your photo is beautiful but kinda spooky.Sort of looks like the castle just erupted out of the earth, My entry is a much tamer trace http://patriciasplace.me/2015/04/23/ttraces/
Dracula’s castle. Love the history. These castles sitting on top of rocks are so striking and such a stark contrast to the colourful church steeple below. I enjoy hearing music that normally I wouldn’t hear but this one I think I need a translation for.
This one is not Dracula’s castle ;). I could not find the lyrics for this folk song. I don’t speak Slovakian but could understand some of it if I had the lyrics.
Thanks Paula. Yes it really is worth a visit. Since they closed the genuine Lascaux Caves they have replicated them. We didn’t go as Roger had seen the original and the crowds queueing were huge. To see originals although faint was a special moment. The whole area though is steeped in history.
This is such an interesting challenge, Paula. And your photo – what a juxtaposition. Definitely a case of the past dominating the present. And now I’m wondering what hidden stories that castle has 🙂
Great idea Paula, and beautiful sight.
Not sure I have a photo for that. Let me think. I’m running out of grey cells lately because of the writing 101 course! lol
Cheers!
the castle is fascinating, and the colored church really highlights the darker color of the stone the castle is comprised of…
also, enjoyed the song even without knowing most of the words – ❤ and did not know dracual's castle was owned by good ol' "Stibor the Duke"
😀 I am so happy you lent your ear too. You said you did not understand most of the words. I am impressed that you understood a single word :D. The title of the song is Vyvoda which is Duke. A funny trivia – this king that gave the castle to Stibor was the same king that granted nobility to one of my ancestors in the 14th century.
oh Paula – this is so cool for a few reasons – because how coincidental you would say that about your ancestors – I recently heard from an aunt that she traced something in our lineage format he year 1000 – I still need to hear more – but to hear about your ancestor and the association with this castle connection – it makes the post come to life. and I like how you artistically match the songs, in fact – I found that I come here looking for the song and I am the better for listening – and I slot thought this was a song-less post when I first opened it – but alas’ – it was right there. 🙂
I moved the player downwards to interfere less with the photo. My ancestors were not in this castle, there were somewhere in the territory that now belongs to Croatia 🙂 Thank you, Yvette.
well just for the record, I did not think your ancestors were in this castle – I got that it the king that gave it was the same one that granted his statues of nobility (and truly a cool thing to know)
😀 What fascinates me is that all this territory was united back then, and this very tune is also known in my country, and Slovakia is not even our neighbour.
well it is a complete joke- so delete it if you do not want it here int he comments – but it is kinda funny and actually I just listened to it now and never realized it said at 3;46 -“east coast, west coast… Texas…” this was much funnier back in the 1980’s but truly a “duke” unique song…
This looks like a castle I flew over while deployed to Bosnia. I am not sure where exactly we were flying so could it be??? I will dig up the pictures and find out. Now, I HAVE to know. Hopefully, I can put together a post for this:)
Let’s hope I can come up with something, lol. It may be late because I am hosting a girls weekend that has a full schedule of: kayaking, paddle board yoga, movies, live music, my daughter’s sorority family day, and some picture taking at a canyon! I might be tired after all of that, but hey, seize the days we get right?
This is one great castle picture – and a wonderful challenge, Paula! I hope I am not too late: http://empireoflights.com/2015/04/25/traces-of-the-past/ – And I am looking forward to hosting next Sunday’s Black and White Challenge.(Although I did not shoot much more than a roll of black and white pictures this year – but I can still be a host, can’t I?)
Just home from Istanbul and catching up what’s been happening in the blogosphere! This is an incredibly impressive castle, Paula. Even in its ruined state, it dominates the area.
And it’s a great choice for a recurring theme. I’ve decided to start local: http://travelwithintent.com/2015/04/29/sopwell-nunnery-st-albans-lee-hall/
What an amazing castle!
https://willothewizp.wordpress.com/2015/04/23/thursdays-special-traces-of-the-past-01/
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Yes, it is. Thank you for your entry dear.
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What a lovely mix of shapes and colours and good story and music too. How many boxes are there to tick? You must tick them all. My traces of the past this week have been in ancient rainforest in northern Australia.
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Cool. Will you link it?
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Still in draft form. I’m twenty posts behind my holiday experiences: and this time next week I’ll be en route to Warsaw, and more traces of a very different past.
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Pingback: T=traces | Patricia's Place
Your photo is beautiful but kinda spooky.Sort of looks like the castle just erupted out of the earth, My entry is a much tamer trace
http://patriciasplace.me/2015/04/23/ttraces/
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😀 you are funny, Patricia
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So I have been told.
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That’s a stunning castle. It must have been very impressive in its glory days!
I posted a follow-up post on the stave church at Folkemuseet for your challenge this Thursday:
https://cardinalguzman.wordpress.com/2015/04/23/details-from-the-stave-church-folkemuseet/
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Oh I appreciate this entry so much. Thanks, CG!
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Very interesting and impressive architecture – very well captured… 🙂
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Thank you very much, Drake :9
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Dracula’s castle. Love the history. These castles sitting on top of rocks are so striking and such a stark contrast to the colourful church steeple below. I enjoy hearing music that normally I wouldn’t hear but this one I think I need a translation for.
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This one is not Dracula’s castle ;). I could not find the lyrics for this folk song. I don’t speak Slovakian but could understand some of it if I had the lyrics.
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Sorry I misunderstood. It is an impressive castle anyway. Don’t worry looking for the lyrics. I can just enjoy the music. 🙂
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Gosh, I love your post, Irene. I will have to visit Dordogne!
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Thanks Paula. Yes it really is worth a visit. Since they closed the genuine Lascaux Caves they have replicated them. We didn’t go as Roger had seen the original and the crowds queueing were huge. To see originals although faint was a special moment. The whole area though is steeped in history.
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Very impressive , Paula!
Beautiful entry…
I’ve just posted my contribution: Egypt (by Rene’)
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Thanks, Anna. Saluti a Rene.
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This is such an interesting challenge, Paula. And your photo – what a juxtaposition. Definitely a case of the past dominating the present. And now I’m wondering what hidden stories that castle has 🙂
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🙂 I am so happy you like it, Tish 🙂 Happy Thursday!
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Now I’m being lazy, and giving you a link to an earlier post –
http://tishfarrell.com/2013/06/18/the-great-earthly-curves-mystery-what-when-and-why/
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I don’t mind Tish 😉
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Fascinating and interesting history. Have you been in?
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No, I haven’t.
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I’d want to go in. 🙂
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Yes, but it started raining and there was so much more to see and travel for the day.
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Great idea Paula, and beautiful sight.
Not sure I have a photo for that. Let me think. I’m running out of grey cells lately because of the writing 101 course! lol
Cheers!
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🙂 Don’t worry Lucile, though it would be a great privilege to have your entry 🙂
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the castle is fascinating, and the colored church really highlights the darker color of the stone the castle is comprised of…
also, enjoyed the song even without knowing most of the words – ❤ and did not know dracual's castle was owned by good ol' "Stibor the Duke"
LikeLike
😀 I am so happy you lent your ear too. You said you did not understand most of the words. I am impressed that you understood a single word :D. The title of the song is Vyvoda which is Duke. A funny trivia – this king that gave the castle to Stibor was the same king that granted nobility to one of my ancestors in the 14th century.
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oh Paula – this is so cool for a few reasons – because how coincidental you would say that about your ancestors – I recently heard from an aunt that she traced something in our lineage format he year 1000 – I still need to hear more – but to hear about your ancestor and the association with this castle connection – it makes the post come to life. and I like how you artistically match the songs, in fact – I found that I come here looking for the song and I am the better for listening – and I slot thought this was a song-less post when I first opened it – but alas’ – it was right there. 🙂
LikeLike
I moved the player downwards to interfere less with the photo. My ancestors were not in this castle, there were somewhere in the territory that now belongs to Croatia 🙂 Thank you, Yvette.
LikeLike
well just for the record, I did not think your ancestors were in this castle – I got that it the king that gave it was the same one that granted his statues of nobility (and truly a cool thing to know)
LikeLike
😀 What fascinates me is that all this territory was united back then, and this very tune is also known in my country, and Slovakia is not even our neighbour.
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I think I will have another listen – hope u have a nice rest of your day P
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Thank you very much, Yvette. You too 🙂
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oo
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what does “oo” mean?
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I am not sure – thought it would go with the two xx’s you sent me earlier (ha)
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😆
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ahhhhh – keeps life a bit fun 🌸
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I want that florist too 😀
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well that bloom is from an snipping from a Croatian heritage plant that has its history traced back to … (jk)
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You “nutter” 😆
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si! (or sim)
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No rush,you have time till next Wednesday 😉
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🙂
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This was meant for Nato 😀
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Oh, I know these are hugs :O
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yeah…
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and have you ever heard of the “rappin’ duke” ???
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I will have to open this when I come home….
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well it is a complete joke- so delete it if you do not want it here int he comments – but it is kinda funny and actually I just listened to it now and never realized it said at 3;46 -“east coast, west coast… Texas…” this was much funnier back in the 1980’s but truly a “duke” unique song…
LikeLike
This looks like a castle I flew over while deployed to Bosnia. I am not sure where exactly we were flying so could it be??? I will dig up the pictures and find out. Now, I HAVE to know. Hopefully, I can put together a post for this:)
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I look forward to it, Michele.
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Let’s hope I can come up with something, lol. It may be late because I am hosting a girls weekend that has a full schedule of: kayaking, paddle board yoga, movies, live music, my daughter’s sorority family day, and some picture taking at a canyon! I might be tired after all of that, but hey, seize the days we get right?
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You are still on time Michele 😉
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Family crisis now. But when I get a second, I’ll need to blog for sanity.
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That castle is amazing, Paula. I can’t begin to comprehend the building of it! 🙂
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I am not even trying to 😉
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interesting challenge. and I like that you plan the series of posts on that topic. it is really open to diverse interpretations.
mine for the round one:
http://lessywannagohome.blogspot.be/2015/04/thursdays-special-traces-of-past-01.html
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I’m glad you like the challenge, Klara. It will make us quite busy 🙂 Thank you for this entry.
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beau contraste avec l’église qui met en valeur le chateau en ruine sur ta photo, c’est une bonne idée
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Je te remercie beaucoup Marc. C’est important d’entendre ton opinion 🙂
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Hi Paula, another terrific challenge. I love your picture of the castle. Here’s my contribution. http://artifactsandfictions.com/2015/04/24/ancient-wonders/
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Wow Paula, what a castle, it looks like something out of a fairy tale!
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My thoughts exactly, Patti 🙂
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Good theme, and there are certainly plenty of ruins for you to ‘get your teeth into’. 🙂 I’ll join you when I’m able, Paula 🙂
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I know you will, Jo 🙂
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Pingback: Traces of the Past | Empire of Lights
This is one great castle picture – and a wonderful challenge, Paula! I hope I am not too late: http://empireoflights.com/2015/04/25/traces-of-the-past/ – And I am looking forward to hosting next Sunday’s Black and White Challenge.(Although I did not shoot much more than a roll of black and white pictures this year – but I can still be a host, can’t I?)
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Definitely, Tobias. I’m counting on you. Just send me the text and photos 🙂
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Just home from Istanbul and catching up what’s been happening in the blogosphere! This is an incredibly impressive castle, Paula. Even in its ruined state, it dominates the area.
And it’s a great choice for a recurring theme. I’ve decided to start local: http://travelwithintent.com/2015/04/29/sopwell-nunnery-st-albans-lee-hall/
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I have already linked :D. You are so active Debbie. I’m really impressed 🙂 Thank you my dear!
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Yes, this is the quintessential medieval epic look of a castle. It looks so good embedded into that hill, and so dark.
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