Bratislava: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini visited Devin Castle in Bratislava on December 8, APA reports. The historic site, located at the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers, holds significant cultural and historical value.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev was provided with detailed information about Devin Castle. Recognized as one of Slovakia’s symbols, the castle is listed among the country’s national cultural monuments. Historical records first mention the name Devin in chronicles dating back to 864. The castle was a pivotal site in the history of Great Moravia, which existed from 822 to 907. In the 13th century, Devin served as a royal and border castle for the Hungarians. The castle faced destruction in 1809 when Napoleon’s army mined and destroyed it. A monument was erected in 1896 to commemorate this destruction.
Further archaeological interest in the site followed World War I, leading to the discovery of the first caves in the mountain massif where the castle ruins are located. Archaeological research has been ongoing in the area, albeit intermittently, for over a century. Throughout history, Devin Castle served as a settlement for ancient peoples and a gathering place for merchants and warriors.