Attention, border! Devín as a part of the Iron Curtain in 1948 – 1989

Democracy and freedom as we know them today cannot be taken for granted and may not last forever. The history of Devín Castle and its surroundings is a reminder of this. During the Cold War, the area formed part of the Iron Curtain, which divided Europe into two hostile blocs. In Czechoslovakia at the time, the physical border stretched for 920 kilometres, including the Devín section.

The exhibition traces the gradual tightening of restrictions on freedom of movement in this area following the communist takeover in February 1948. How was the system of military control established and operated here, and how did it affect the people of Devín when the district became virtually inaccessible in the 1950s? What role did Devín Castle play under the communist regime, and how was it affected by military measures? The exhibition also presents the specific, often tragic stories of people who attempted to escape from totalitarian Czechoslovakia through this section of the border.