Malé Karpaty (Small Carpathian Mountains) - Slovakia

Extent: 820 square kilometres.

This mountain range is located in west part of Slovakia and divide - similarly as fortification - Záhorská plainland from  Danube plainland. The complex belongs to Fatra-Tatra area, which forms a part of West Carpathian Mountains. It is divided into four next parts, such as: Devínské, Pezinské, Brezovské and Čachtické.

Highest peak: Záruby (768 m).

Surface: afforested, including beech-wood and oak forests.

Climatic area: rather warm, in higher localities moderately warm area.

The territory was declared as Preserved Countryside Area in 1976.

Devín castle is well preserved ruins. Located on a rock at the confluence of the Morava with the Danube. The first mention dates back to 864th Due to its strategic location became the site of the oldest documented settlement agglomeration. During the long centuries that have replaced many monarchs, among others, Prince Rostislav, or known genera and Báthory Pálffy. Děvín was a place of eternal battle of the Austria-Hungarian, but also faced the invasions of Turkish and Napoleonic troops. Since the days of the Slovak national movement when walking on Štúrovci its walls, became a symbol of Slovakia and friendship among nations. Today is a popular tourist attraction that offers not only a beautiful view of the cheese landscape and knowledge of history at the renovated courtyard.

Text: Oskár Mažgút
Photo: Daniel Babický