One of the most impregnable defensive complexes of its time surrounds the town of Komárno. It is the largest monument of its kind in Slovakia, which is also unique in its scope from a European perspective. It is the largest fortification structure of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. That is why it is also on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The fortress resisted even the 100,000-strong army of a Turkish pasha in the past.
The Komárno Fortress System was the largest and strongest fortress system of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. In present-day Hungary and Slovakia, it is formed on two banks of the Danube by the central fortress in Komárno, five bastions of the Palatine Line, two bastions and four castles of the Váh Line, and in Komárom (HU) by the Monostor Fortress, Igmánd Fortress and Csillag (Star) Fortress.
Parts of the Komárno Fortress System are the Old Castle (from the 16th century), the New Castle (from the 17th century) and the barracks, headquarters and ammunition depot (from the 19th century).
The Komárno Fortress System could accommodate 200,000 soldiers.
The enormous fortification system withstood sieges for centuries, as indicated by the stone maiden and the inscription placed on the Madonna bastion: NEC ARTE NEC MARTE – Neither by cunning nor by force.
