The Pajštún gargoyles, famously known as the Pajštún lions, are iconic stone corbels located on the upper southern section of the west wing at Pajštún Castle in western Slovakia. These late-Renaissance lion heads originally served a dual purpose: supporting the weight of the upper bay windows while functioning as decorative elements to direct rainwater away from the stone masonry. Today, the ruins serve as a highly popular tourist spot and a favorite stop for hikers, as the castle sits directly along the main trail networks traversing the Little Carpathians.

Although a devastating blast by Napoleon’s troops in 1809 reduced the fortress to ruins, several of the grimacing stone lions still remain precariously perched high on the crumbling western walls. Over the centuries, some of the carvings have fallen due to erosion, with one well-preserved piece now safely on display at the nearby Stupava Museum. Visitors trekking this famous route are advised to exercise caution when viewing the remaining gargoyles from below, as the surrounding masonry is highly vulnerable to falling stones.