In Bernolákovo, different chapters of local history meet distinctive buildings and a cycling route with clearly named waypoints. The castle represents 18th-century aristocratic architecture; the ruins of Čeklís Castle date back to a much earlier period. There are also churches and chapels, each with its own story, as well as the Čierna voda, which flows through the town. You can tailor your stay to your interests: architecture and cultural monuments, history by the river, or a bike ride.
Castle Architecture and Its History
The Esterházy family had the castle in Bernolákovo built between 1714 and 1722. The two-storey building has three wings and a U-shaped floor plan. This is more than a description of its façade: the castle is one of the early aristocratic residences designed in harmony with their natural surroundings. Visitors interested in architecture will find both a distinctive building form and a connection to the design of its setting.
After a three-year restoration, the castle was ceremonially reopened in 2017. Today, it offers numerous activities. The building’s history and its present-day offerings provide two different ways to connect with the place: you can explore its construction and restoration history or consider Bernolákovo as a destination for activities.
Churches, Chapels and Local Remembrance
The Church of St. Stephen the King is Bernolákovo’s oldest cultural monument. Inside is a gold chalice dating from 1666. The Baroque Chapel of St. Anne marks a different period: Count Esterházy had it built in 1724 at the northwestern corner of the castle park. It is currently used for church ceremonies. The Esterházy Chapel is another distinct national cultural monument; Countess Ilona Esterházyová had it built in 1847.
The memorial to Anton Bernolák also has a specific place: it stands in front of the Roman Catholic rectory. It commemorates Bernolák as a pioneer of the Slovak written language and founder of the Slovenské učené tovarišstvo. Three stone roadside shrines, called Božie muky in Slovak, stand directly along the town’s roads. These monuments complement the larger buildings with smaller landmarks spread throughout the town.
Čeklís, the River Landscape and the Water Tower
The ruins of Čeklís Castle are considered Bernolákovo’s oldest secular building and were first mentioned in writing in 1323. They stand on a raised terrace above the Čierna voda, at the western edge of the town. Their location connects the castle’s history with the river, a lowland waterway that flows through Bernolákovo. According to one archaeological interpretation, the castle tower controlled a toll crossing over the Čierna voda.
The Várdomb water tower stands on the castle ruins and is a national technical cultural monument. Visits are subject to specific conditions: outside the times separately announced by the municipality, the tower may be opened on weekdays by prior arrangement for groups of at least 15 to 20 people. If you plan a visit, take the advance arrangement and group size into account.
Cycling Route and Golf
The 4.5-kilometre Bernolákovo–Nová Dedinka cycling route begins at a footbridge over the Čierna voda in the centre of Bernolákovo and leads to Nová Dedinka. It is part of the Senecká cyklomagistrála. One station on the Čierna voda nature trail is also described as having information boards, benches and bicycle racks.
Golf offers another focus. The Golf and Country Club Bratislava-Bernolákovo has an 18-hole course. The golf centre in Bernolákovo has a driving range and a putting green, and is suitable for both experienced players and beginners. The park course at the Black & White Golf Resort Bernolákovo has its own historical distinction: it was the first 9-hole course built in Slovakia. Bernolákovo therefore offers everything from cultural monuments and local history to cycling and golf.
Discover more destinations: Tomášov, Ivanka Pri Dunaji, Hamuliakovo, Most pri Bratislave, Miloslavov, Senec, Kaplna, Malinovo.
Go to the main travel overview: Senec.
