Castles of Hungary excursions. Egerszalok and attractions. Castles of Hungary. Symbol of eternal love

The abundance of castles and fortresses in different parts of Hungary will baffle any tourist. Where to go and what to see to get a complete understanding of the history and culture of the country? Even the indigenous inhabitants have not seen all the sights, and there is no point in pursuing this. Our short review architectural monuments will help you decide.

Hungarian fortresses with museums: yesterday and today

Most of the castles were built during the period of liberation from the Mongol-Tatar yoke in order to increase the country's defensive capability. Even after the disastrous uprising led by Ferenc Rakoczi in 1703–1711. and the order of the Austrian emperor in 1713 to blow up the castles-fortresses of Hungary, about four thousand buildings remained in the state.

Modern Hungarian castles resemble magnificent ones country palaces, and not at all gloomy medieval citadels. Most of them are located in the west of the country. Tourist interest has arisen relatively recently - in recent decades. About seventy fortresses were converted into comfortable 4* hotels.

Top 10 fortresses, castles and palaces

1. Royal Palace in Buda.

This majestic castle on the top of a hill has been revived and restored more than once after invasions, fires, and wars. Today, the Budapest History Museum, the Central Library, the Museum of Modern Art are open here, and next to it are several spectacular sculptures and statues. A visit to the fortress will cost an adult the equivalent of 6 dollars.


2. Diosgyor Fortress.

The peculiarity of this building, located four hours away from the capital, in the city of Miskolc, is the special acoustics of the courtyard. The show is in full swing here! There is a Museum of Medieval Weapons, an archaeological site and a gallery. wax figures. The cost of visiting for adults is $5, children under 6 years old and pensioners are $3.5.


3. Brunswick Castle

30 km from Budapest, in Mártonvásár, there is a castle in the neo-Gothic style, surrounded by a luxurious English park. The Beethoven Museum, who visited the Brunswick family more than once, as well as the Museum of the History of Kindergartens are located here. To experience this protected place, you'll have to shell out about $12.


4. Bori Castle

This place, imbued with sincere feeling, is loved by couples and newlyweds. Architect Jeno Bori built the castle all his life in honor of his wife Ilona, ​​filling the walls with her images, frescoes, and sculptures of the kings of Hungary. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of love and find out amazing story available for 3.5 dollars (pensioners and students – 2).


5. Esterhazy Castle

The Hungarian Versailles, as this castle is otherwise called, is located 192 km from the capital - in the city of Fertőd. The interiors impress with luxury - part of the building is now used as a hotel. The rest of the territory contains the Opera and Puppet Theatres, and the Musical House. You can walk around the fortress from 10 to 18, in winter - until 16, paying 9 dollars.


6. Gödöllő Palace

The former residence of the Hungarian monarchs, 30 km from Budapest, has today turned into a fascinating historical exhibition. Memorial programs, music and horse shows, and sometimes national-style weddings are held here. Enjoy colorful atmosphere you can do it for about $10, a student card is half that price.


7. Eger Fortress

Tourists are impressed not only incredible story about the Hungarians’ opposition to the Turks and “bull’s blood”, but also the current atmosphere of the fortress in Eger. Mysterious underground labyrinths, exhibitions of instruments of torture and execution, knightly tournaments with medieval costumes - you can see this and much more for about $8.


8. Sumeg Fortress

20 km from north coast Balaton is the largest fortress in Hungary, where restoration and archaeological work is still underway. The local museum houses a collection of weapons, a medieval torture chamber, and an exhibition of carriages and carriages. The highlight of the castle is knightly tournaments, dedications - everything is realistic and inexpensive (about 7 dollars).


9. Monastic fortress in the city of Komarom

Fortification system of the 15th–19th centuries. located in two states at once! One part stands on one bank of the Danube in the Hungarian city of Komárom, and the other on the other, in the Slovak city of Komárno. Having arrived in an hour and a half by train from Budapest, you can visit the exhibitions in the Monoštor fort. The cost of an adult ticket is about 6 dollars.


Visegrád, Hungary, has its own Dracula Castle. According to legend, Vlad Tepes the Third, or Count Dracula, was his prisoner, and then married the king’s cousin and settled here. The structure has survived many invasions and sieges. Today, theatrical performances are held on the territory, and restaurants prepare dishes according to medieval recipes.

10. Batthyany Castle

Not far from thermal resort Kehidakushtani is a 17th century castle. with a luxurious park and three-hundred-year-old trees. One part is reserved for the Museum of the Batthyany Count Family, the other is a rich hotel for the most discerning guests. Billiards, volleyball, horse riding, fishing, flying hot-air balloon... The cost of a vacation is from 60 euros per day. Excursions are much cheaper!


Conclusion

In some fortresses you can take photos and videos for a small fee. In others, where photography is prohibited, buy photo albums with exposures. No matter which castle or museum you go to in Hungary, the impressions will stay with you for a long time. Each of them is full of the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, impresses with the luxury of decoration and picturesque nature.

Which castles and fortresses in Hungary have you already visited? Share your emotions in the comments to this article, tell us the details - readers will be grateful to you! Have you ever encountered this side of Hungarian life? Subscribe to our newsletter - you will learn a lot of interesting things!

Fertőd Castle is one of the most luxurious and expensive castles in Hungary. It was built in the 18th century by order of Prince Miklos II in the form of a horseshoe on the site of an old hunting castle. The great composer Joseph Haydn lived within its walls at the invitation of the prince. Today there is a museum dedicated to the work of this composer.

In the territory huge structure puppet and opera houses, a horse yard, a music house, a church, a Chinese entertainment house, surrounded by a luxurious park with orange trees and nice fountains. After the death of the prince, the castle fell into disrepair, and all its decorations and art galleries were seized by the descendants of Miklos II.

After several restorations, the building was returned to its original appearance. Visitors are greeted by openwork gates, the gilded walls of the music hall attract the eye, and on the ceiling of the main hall, Apollo majestically sits on his chariot. The interior of the castle is made in white colors: the floor is made of white marble, the walls are decorated with white stucco with silver wreaths, which conveys all the chic in which the Esterhazy princes lived. A French garden was planted around the modern castle, complementing the unique composition.

Coordinates: 47.62181400,16.87157800

Castle in Tati

Hungary has more than a hundred castles throughout the country, they were built to protect themselves from enemies, it has a very rich historical past. One of the best that you can visit is located in the north-west of Hungary, in the city of Tata, in the valley between the Gerecse and Vertes mountains, about 70 kilometers from Budapest, on a small island in Lake Öreg, it is called Tata Castle. The castle became the main fortress after the conquest of Hungary by the Turks in 1221. It was captured in 1529 and had many different owners over the coming decades until it was burned by the Habsburgs when the Hungarian people rebelled under the leadership of Ferenc II Rakoczi.

The castle was built in the late 1300s by the Lackfi family in the Renaissance style, and today it is one of the pearls of the city of Tata. The castle walls show traces of the romantic style associated with the Esterházy family who lived here. The building on the shore of the Old Lake still has a very amazing panoramic view.

Tata Castle became a heroic sign of the past, the country of Hungary, since many of them were destroyed by enemies during the war. But on this moment, all of them are renewed, strengthened and await their visitors. Looking at them you can visit the Middle Ages and see how people lived in those days.

Coordinates: 47.68942800,18.32473700

Vajdahunyad Castle

Vajdahunyad Castle is a copy of the fortress of the Transylvanian rulers of Hunyadi, which was built in the thirteenth century.

This amazing castle is located in Városliget Park and is a true highlight that complements the natural beauty of the place.

In 1896, large-scale celebrations were organized on the occasion of the millennium of Hungary, and it was then that the decision was made to build a castle in Városliget Park, the design of which included details of other famous buildings in Hungary: the Corvin Castle, the Szegesvár Fortress and many other architectural landmarks of Hungary.

There are several statues on the grounds of the castle. In particular, the statue of Anonymous, a monument to the architect who built the castle - Ignaz Alpar, and also the Museum is located here Agriculture.

Coordinates: 47.51527800,19.08194400

Šimontornya Castle

Šimontóryi Castle was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the Fried Family, who owned the largest tannery in Hungary and played an important role in the cultural, social and economic life of Šimontóry.

In 2005, the rebel castle became a first-class hotel with a gourmet restaurant and wellness services. Here guests will be greeted by sincere smiles, natural courtesy and a helpful approach.

The hotel has ideal conditions for those wishing to relax in a calm environment.

The rooms have retained their antique atmosphere with oak parquet and wooden ceilings in the style of Louis the Great.

The presidential apartments charm visitors with beautiful carved furniture.

It is worth mentioning the two huge throne-shaped wooden chairs located in the foyer self made and a staircase leading to the second floor, the railings of which are decorated with carvings of dragons.

There is a beautiful French-style park around the castle. The hotel has its own vineyards and wine cellars, allowing guests to taste the Castle's own wines. The surrounding protected forests with rich game are a paradise for hunters, and Lake Mislai also has scope for avid fishermen.

Coordinates: 46.74940000,18.54260000

Koszeg Castle

Köszeg Castle is old lock Hungary, located at the foot of the Alps near the border with Austria. It was built in the 15th century and belonged to the noble family of Garai. He became historical monument country, since in the 16th century he detained Turkish troops on the way to Vienna for about a month by the forces of Captain Miklos Juršić. So Miklos became the hero of his people, and in his honor a bronze monument was erected in front of the main entrance to the fortress.

The historical building is made in the style of the Middle Ages. It consists of an outer body and a trapezoidal inner citadel, which are connected by a small bridge. At the time when the castle belonged to the Garai family, the first floor was given over to a wine cellar, and the second floor was equipped knight's castle. In the same time northern part The fortress was replenished with a chapel, and the southern and eastern ones were converted into living quarters for guards and servants.

Today Köszeg Castle belongs to the state. The fortress theater is open to everyone in the fortress, local history museum, a cultural center and even a small hotel.

Coordinates: 47.38867500,16.54056100

Brunswick Castle

Brunswick Castle is not only a historical architectural monument of Hungary, but is also considered a monument classical music, because within its walls the famous composer Beethoven taught music lessons to his daughters best friend Count of Brunswick. The castle was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style and for a long time belonged to the Brunswick family. Now the building has been rebuilt in the English Neo-Gothic style and invites everyone to visit the memorial museum dedicated to Beethoven, where evidence of his great friendship with the creators of the residence is presented.

The construction of the castle took place under the direction of the Viennese architect Joseph Thaller, the church on the territory of the residence, made in the Baroque style, was built by the architect József Jung, and its luxurious decorations in the form of various frescoes were the result of the work of Johann Cymbal.

The white stucco of the castle gives it special grandeur, and unique story creates a special musical atmosphere. A quiet fountain is comfortably located in front of the main entrance, and the castle park with an inconspicuous picturesque lake and small island, to which the openwork bridge leads, is truly inspiring.

Coordinates: 47.31591400,18.78539000

Buda Castle

Buda Castle is unique architectural ensemble on Buda (Castle) Hill in Budapest. One of the most popular tourist places in the city. In 2002 included in the List World Heritage UNESCO.

The most ancient part The modern castle was built in the 14th century by Duke Stefan of Slavonia, the younger brother of the Hungarian king Louis the Great, and was first headed by the Hungarian king Bela IV back in the 13th century. During its existence, the residence and castle were constantly rebuilt,

During the reign of King Sigismund, the castle was seriously expanded and became the largest in the late Middle Ages.

After the Battle of Mohacs in 1526, the Kingdom of Hungary ceased to exist, and the Turks occupied the castle unopposed. Under Ottoman rule, the castle complex of buildings was used as military barracks and a stable; some of the premises were empty.

In 1944, during the capture of Budapest, Buda Castle became the last center of resistance of fascist troops. Heavy fighting turned it into ruins.

After the war, archaeological excavations were carried out in order to restore some medieval buildings,

Since the communist government of Hungary believed Royal Palace a symbol of the former regime and the oppression of the nation, many valuable architectural features were removed.

The palace was finally restored in 1966, and the castle grounds were completely restored only in 1980.

Three main parts of Buda Castle: the Royal Palace, St. George's Square and the historical residential area.

Coordinates: 47.29460000,19.02230000

Royal Castle in Gedelow

The Royal Palace in Gedelöv is the largest baroque palace in Hungary. Built for Emperor Franz Josef and the Austro-Hungarian Princess Elisabeth of Bavaria.

The building is recognized as the second largest palace complex after Versailles. total area The castle area is 17 thousand square meters, and the adjacent park occupies 29 hectares.

With its magnificent decoration, the castle is reminiscent of French palaces, famous for their luxuries. Almost at every step you can find skillfully restored items of royal use: furniture made by masters of the 18th - 19th centuries, antique objects, paintings and sculptures.

The main hall of the castle, richly decorated with white and gold stucco in the Baroque style, amazes the imagination. Huge crystal chandeliers with candelabras hang from the ceiling, and on carved tables there are porcelain services preserved from the time of Maria Teresa. By the way, it was in this hall that the wedding of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sissi took place.

The castle is also famous for its garden and park complex - Elizabethan Park. Here you can visit a museum, various exhibitions and a theater.

Coordinates: 47.60431100,19.34584200

Vajdahunyad Castle

The name of the pavilion - Vajdahunyad Castle - comes from Hunyadi, a 13th-century fortress that once belonged to the rulers of Transylvania.

The exhibition featured a model of a castle made of papier-mâché; after the millennium celebrations, the composition was closed, and the cardboard fortress went with it.

In 1907, the opening ceremony of the renovated castle took place. It was made of stone, and a statue of the architect, cast in bronze, was installed in front of the entrance.

The castle was headed by the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph.

To get inside, you need to cross the bridge, passing the gates made in gothic style, we find ourselves on the territory of the castle ensemble.

The most beautiful building in the complex it is considered a chapel; it is used for much more ceremonial purposes. According to custom, newlyweds come here on their wedding day.

When it gets dark, multi-colored lights turn on, illuminating the buildings, making the complex look like a set for some theatrical production.

Coordinates: 47.30550000,19.04550000

Gedelle Castle

Gedelle Castle is one of the most luxurious and largest castles in Hungary, which represents its palace architecture and attracts a lot of tourists with its splendor. The construction of the building began in the 13th century under the leadership of Count Antal Grassalkovich I, whose descendants repeatedly rebuilt the structure. The castle, originally U-shaped, acquired several more wings to each arm and today, after numerous restorations, it is open to visitors and various exhibition and concert programs.

The famous architect Andras Mayerhoffer, a native of Salzburg, worked on the construction of the structure. The main building of the castle is crowned with a majestic dome, which has undergone a lot of reconstruction. Throughout history, a palace chapel, a luxurious theater, a greenhouse, an arena, stables and quarters for carriages were added to the castle. During the Second World War, a small air-raid shelter was built in the northern part of the residence, and at the beginning of the 20th century, as a result of major restorations, the royal apartments were opened, which are part of the historical exhibition of the era Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the course of subsequent work, the luxurious royal chambers were restored, and halls dedicated to the history of the Grasszalkovich dynasty and Baroque architecture were opened.

Coordinates: 47.59594800,19.34766400

Rackeve Castle

Rackieve Castle is an architectural monument of Hungary, erected by order of the Prince of Savoy, an outstanding commander who defeated the Turks in 1697. It was built in 1720 and now serves as one of the most comfortable hotels in the country. There are 28 rooms and a majestic park with neat alleys.

These three old fortresses, located in northern Hungary, near the border of Slovakia in the Zemplén Mountains, have in common not only geographical position, but also the time of construction. All three castles were built or first mentioned in the 13th century. The most easily accessible, interesting and preserved of them is Boldogko (it is also the most visited), while Fuser and Regets are practically ruins. However, restoration work is being carried out in the Fuser fortress, although very slowly, as I noticed. In any case, heading from the Hungarian Miskolc, where, by the way, there are wonderful thermal springs in the caves, towards Slovakia, we stopped at all three fortresses, fortunately they are located very close to each other. For the sake of clarity of the story, I’ll probably attach a small map of the location of the castles. And in the title picture is the Boldogko fortress, a powerful and well-preserved fortification.

Here is, directly, a map of the area with castles marked on it. Not exactly a triangle, of course, but they are located nearby, in the same region, although getting to these places without a car will probably be problematic.



At first I wanted to make three different posts about each castle separately, but then I decided to combine all three together for convenience. Moreover, there is not much information in general, but more photographs. As for the first, best-preserved, Boldogko castle, it was built in the 13th century, like many of its brothers in this part of Hungary, with the aim of protecting the Kingdom of Hungary from raids from the north and east (the formidable Mongol-Tatars are assumed to be at that time) . The exact date of construction is unknown, but Boldogko was first mentioned in 1282. Many times the castle passed from hand to hand by donation, it was owned by royalty, Hungarian nobility and aristocrats, rebuilding and equipping it according to their wishes. The name of the castle translates as “Lucky Stone”, as it was called after the Ottoman invasions of Hungary. The fortress is located high on a rock at the foot of the Zemplén Upland (it is also called Tokaj, since the town of Tokaj, famous for its wines, is nearby). Boldogko welcomes visitors from March 1 to October 31. There are several small exhibitions here: archaeological, military, historical and others. In the last decade, the castle has undergone a massive reconstruction (most likely with EU money), two towers were built, and an observation deck was also equipped at the very edge of the castle rock. In general, I noticed that such places are now being actively reconstructed in Hungary. For example, in Eger there is a fairly famous castle and you can go there, but restoration and archaeological work is going on throughout its entire territory. Therefore, lovers of such structures should come in a year or two.

The next fortress is Regets, also known as the fortress of Ferenc II Rakoczi, a Hungarian prince and leader of the anti-Habsburg national liberation movement in the early 18th century. Rakoczi spent part of his childhood years in this castle. By the way, later his family moved to Mukachevo Castle on the territory of modern Ukraine. Regets is perhaps the most inaccessible place of all three, as it is located directly on one of the high hills of the Zemplén Upland. The castle was built on a volcanic rock 624 meters high. The history of the fortress is absolutely identical to the previous one. Regets was first mentioned in 1298; at the end of the 13th century, the Kingdom of Hungary actively strengthened its northern borders, they were very afraid of the raids of the Mongol-Tatars in 1241, who, under the leadership of Batu, pretty much battered the Hungarian army. The Mongol invasion, by the way, then contributed to strengthening ties with Catholic Europe. Regets Castle was destroyed in 1686 during the Ottoman occupation and was never restored, with the exception of cosmetic restoration work in our time.

The Fuser fortress was first mentioned in 1264, but whether it was built before the Tatar invasion or after is not known for sure. The castle belonged to King Béla IV and his family, and then to the powerful Aba clan, which ruled the region independently of the king. During the Renaissance, the castle was expanded and completed, so it looks a little more modern than its counterparts. Although I liked the second castle the most, Regetz, which is located in a very picturesque location. And here, in Fuser, at some point in the 16th century the Hungarian crown was hidden (usually it was kept in Visegrád). This happened after the Battle of Mohács, where the Ottomans defeated the Hungarian army. There is also a version that Elizabeth Bathory, notorious for the massacres of young girls, was hiding here. Although this fact is unverified, since most of the documents about the Bathory family were destroyed by order of the authorities. The castle was destroyed by Austrian troops during the already mentioned anti-Habsburg uprisings.

Other castles and fortresses.

To visit Hungary and not visit at least a couple of castles is a real crime! A significant and very striking part of the architecture (and, of course, history) of Hungary are castles and fortresses, the walls of which are a silent reminder of the battles, warriors, state secrets and love stories of the country.

Abundance ancient fortresses in Hungary it is amazing - more than a thousand, 800 of which are architectural monuments.

Choose the ones you definitely need to look into with us!

It is impossible to pass by such an attraction!

The castle is only a little over a hundred years old, and it is part of the exhibition created for the 1000th anniversary of the country in 1896. A park with exotic trees appeared here only towards the end of the 18th century, at which time canals were laid and the swamps were drained, which King Matthias I of Hunyadi previously loved to hunt.

In the modern park you will find artificial lakes on which you can ride a boat, a small chapel, Renaissance and Gothic courtyard buildings, an exquisite palace, an Italian palazzo and much more. Every tourist considers it his duty to touch the pen in the hand of the statue of Anonymous in order to get for himself a drop of the genius and wisdom of the legendary chronicler.

Don't forget to stop by the Agricultural Museum and taste some Hungarian wine.

And in the evening you can enjoy the magic of music right on the castle grounds - concerts and festivals are often held here.

Vysehrad - Dracula's Castle

Yes, yes - and the famous Dracula also lived here, not only in Romania.

The fortress was built back in the 14th century. Vlad the Impaler III, better known as Dracula, according to legend, was her captive. However, after the king’s forgiveness, the “bloody” Vlad married his cousin and settled in Solomon’s tower.

Dracula's Castle has fallen on hard times - peaceful life residents hardly saw it. The list of stories of the fortress includes not only sieges and invasions of enemies, but also the theft of the Hungarian crown.

Founded under the Romans and erected after the invasion of the Tatars, today Dracula's castle is a place adored by tourists.

In addition to viewing the architecture, here you can watch a theatrical performance with the participation of warriors of the “Middle Ages”, buy souvenirs at an exhibition of artisans, take part in competitions and have a delicious meal in one of the local restaurants(of course, according to medieval recipes!).

This place with a fantastically beautiful park (the trees are more than 3 centuries old!) is located near the Kehidakushtani resort.

The castle of the mid-17th century belonged to a noble family and was reconstructed more than once. Today there is a museum of the Batthyany count family with rooms in the style of the 1800th century, Queen Sisi's shoes and even an exhibition for blind tourists who are allowed to touch the exhibits with their hands.

The other part of the castle is a hotel where you can have a good rest, and then play billiards or volleyball, ride a horse, go fishing and even fly in a hot air balloon.

One night here will empty your wallet by at least 60 euros.

Legendary place eternal love. Of course, with its own amazing history.

Jeno Bori created this architectural masterpiece for his beloved wife Ilona (an artist). Having laid the first stone in 1912, the architect built it for 40 years until the war began. After Jeno had to sell his sculptures with paintings in order to continue construction, which he was engaged in until his death in 59.

His wife survived him by 15 years. Their grandchildren were already involved in the reconstruction of the building in the 80s.

This triumph of architectural fantasy in the Art Nouveau style is located right in the center of Budapest.

The history of the palace begins in 1880, when Thomas Gresham (note - founder of the Royal Exchange) bought a huge residential building here. The palace grew in 1907, immediately standing out with mosaic panels, bright figures, flowing floral patterns and wrought iron among the traditional buildings of the center.

After World War II, the palace, which was heavily damaged by bombs, was privatized by the government for apartments for American diplomatic workers, then transferred to the American library, and in the 70s it was simply given over to “communal apartments.”

Today Gresham's Palace, managed by the Canadian Center, is a fantastic hotel dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The most famous city on the shores of Lake Balaton, Keszthely is famous for the Festetics Castle, which once belonged to a noble noble family.

It was modeled after the luxurious mansions of France in the 17th century. Here you can see Hungarian weapons from different eras (some specimens are more than a thousand years old!), a valuable library with unique engravings, the first printed books and even sheet music with the autographs of Haydn and Goldmark, a fantastically beautiful interior decoration of the palace, etc.

A ticket to the castle costs 3,500 Hungarian HUF.

You will find it just 30 km from Budapest.

Built in the Baroque style, the palace changed throughout its existence.

Today within its walls there is a neo-Gothic Memorial Museum Beethoven (a close friend of the Brunswick family, who composed his “Moonlight Sonata” in the castle) and the Museum of the History of Kindergartens (note - the owner of the castle fought for children’s rights all her life), concerts are often held and thematic films are shown.

Rare tree species grow in the castle park, which occupies over 70 hectares - more than three hundred species!

It is also called the Versailles of Hungary for its amazing splendor, serious scale and luxury of decoration.

Located a 2-hour drive from Budapest (approx. - in Ferted), the palace “began” as a hunting mansion in 1720. Afterwards, having expanded considerably, the castle acquired many decorations, a park with fountains, theaters, an entertainment house and even a small church, turning into an expensive and truly luxurious palace from the hand of his master, Prince Miklos 2nd.

Famous for his active support of artists (note - for example, Haydn lived in the Esterhazy family for more than 30 years), Miklos organized feasts and masquerades every day, turning life into an eternal holiday.

Today the Esterhazy Palace is amazing beauty a baroque museum and a wonderful hotel.

Located in city ​​of the same name, this “structure” in the Baroque style appeared in the 18th century.

During the construction process, which lasted for 25 years, the palace changed owners several times until it completely passed into the hands of Emperor Franz Joseph.

Today the castle, restored in 2007 after the consequences of the 2nd World War, pleases tourists with both its decoration and historical exhibition, and modern entertainment- horse and music shows and performances, memorial programs, etc.

Here you can buy souvenirs and eat national dishes, and also look into the darkroom.

Originating in the 13th century in the city of the same name, the fortress acquired its modern look only in the 16th century.

Most of all, it became famous for the confrontation between the Turks and Hungarians (note - the former outnumbered the defenders by more than 40 times), which lasted 33 days until the enemy retreated. According to legend, the Hungarians won thanks to the famous invigorating wine called “bull’s blood.”

A modern fortress is an opportunity to feel like a medieval archer at a shooting range, help the staff of the fortress museum pour wine into bottles (and at the same time taste it), explore the underground labyrinths and execution exhibition, and even mint a coin yourself as a souvenir.

Don't forget to buy souvenirs, check out the knight's tournament and have a gastronomic break.

This fortress owes its name to the aristocrats who created it in 1162.

The modern castle has grown from a simple wooden structure and today is a luxurious hotel, enticing travelers around the world with its sophisticated antiquity.

Tourists can enjoy 19 comfortable rooms and even a count’s apartment filled with antique furniture, Persian carpets and tapestries, a hunting hall with “trophies” from the surrounding forests, a Baroque chapel with an icon of the Virgin Mary and wines from local bins for dinner.

In the summer you can attend a jazz concert, dine in a gourmet restaurant, and visit the swimming pool for free balneological resort and even hold a wedding.

And in the huge forest park you can ride a bike among plane trees and magnolias and go fishing.

This castle is considered historical heart countries. It can be seen from anywhere in Budapest, and you can ignore the excursion to this famous place no one can.

Consisting of 3 fortresses, the 13th century castle was revived many times after the Turkish and Tatar invasions, and after the fire of the 2nd World War, it was restored with special care.

Today, transformed and refurbished using new technologies, the castle is a real pride of residents and a place of pilgrimage for travelers.

Ancient castles, palaces, and fortresses are an integral part of the culture and history of Hungary. They have survived many wars, battles and historical events; today they will tell their visitors the legends and traditions of past centuries. Today, several hundred castles remain in Hungary. They survived the Mongol invasion, the rule of the Turks and the Second world war. Despite this, some of them are perfectly preserved.

Buda Castle or Royal Palace is located in the historical center of Hungary. This large-scale structure stands on the top of a mountain; the peaks of the towers and night illumination can be seen from absolutely anywhere in the city. One of the most popular attractions was built in the 13th century and included three huge fortresses that were destroyed after the Turkish invasion. Subsequently, the castle was rebuilt several times, its modern look in the Baroque style he received it in 1714. During the Second World War, the building was damaged again - a strong fire damaged the interior. But in the post-war period, the fortress was restored and equipped with modern technologies. In front of the castle there are no less famous attractions: a sculpture of the Turul bird, a luxurious fountain with sculptures of hunters led by King Myatyas, St. Stephen's Tower.

In the area of ​​the fortress there is the Holy Trinity Square, which is decorated with the majestic Plague Pillar, also made in the Baroque style. Nearby stands the large Gothic Cathedral of King Matthias, where Hungarian royals were once crowned. The cathedral also includes the Loreto Chapel, in which the tomb of the king and queen is preserved. To the north of the cathedral is the Fisherman's Bastion, designed in the New Gothic style and built in 1895-1902.

You can walk around the castle and its surroundings for 1,400 Hungarian forints.

Vajdahunyad

The majestic Vajdahund Castle is a replica of the thirteenth-century fortress of the kings of Transylvania, Hunyadi. It is located in the picturesque old Városliget park in the historical center of the city. The castle was built relatively recently: during the celebration of the millennium of Hungary in 1896, it was decided to create this majestic fortress. During the celebrations, copies of all the most significant landmarks for Hungary were exhibited in the park. The models were made of wood or papier-mâché. The model of Hunyadi Castle, the original of which is located in Transylvania, was also recreated. The audience liked the model of the fortress so much that the government decided to recreate the castle in life-size here in the park. Construction was completed in 1908, and the castle is traditionally surrounded by a moat with water. Today the castle houses the Museum of Agriculture, one of the oldest in the country. It contains the history of the development of agriculture from ancient times to the present day.

You can walk around the castle grounds all day. If you walk along picturesque bridge directly above the moat, you can see an openwork Gothic gate; to the left of the castle there is a copy of a Romanesque monastery with a small chapel. On the right is a copy of the Shegeshwar fortress, and behind it is the Tower of the Apostles and the Italian palazzo. The castle, made in the Baroque style, is decorated inside with bas-reliefs depicting King Matthias and the Princess of Aragon.

Not far from the castle there is a famous sculpture, for which tourists come here - a monument to the writer who gave us the work “The Acts of the Hungarians” in the 12th century. His name is unknown. There is a legend that everyone who touches the pen of the great chronicler will gain wisdom and a sharp mind, and all students will definitely complete their studies with success.

The castle also houses a rich collection of hunting trophies. Another entertainment for tourists is tasting national wines. It is worth staying in the castle until the evening, because after sunset its walls are beautifully illuminated, and beautiful music plays in the garden. Festivals and concerts are often held on the castle grounds.

The Agricultural Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From the first of November to the end of March - until five o'clock in the evening. On weekends the museum is always open from 10.00 to 17.00.

Tickets to the museum cost 1,100 Hungarian forints for adults and 550 for children. All other attractions can be visited for free.

Borivar

The most romantic castle in Hungary, most popular place for couples in love, newlyweds and those who simply believe in true love. Not only the Taj Mahal is a symbol of eternal love, in Europe there is fairytale castle which a man built for his wife with his own hands. Jeno Bori, a Hungarian artist, single-handedly built a real castle for his beloved wife Ilona. It took him 40 years to build, which was completed in 1959. Construction proceeded with great difficulty; the artist was hampered by the war and a constant lack of funds. Bori sold his paintings and invested all the proceeds in construction.

This is amazing architectural structure united various styles and directions, the castle grounds are decorated with statues and paintings created by the hands of the artist himself and his beautiful wife. Inside the castle, the walls are decorated with portraits of Ilona - in almost every room there hangs a painting of her, painted by Jono Bori. The painter worshiped his wife as a goddess. He portrayed her as Madonna, and he depicted himself in the image of a fallen angel - at her feet. Ilona outlived her romantic husband by 15 years. In 1980, their grandchildren reconstructed the building.

The castle is located just an hour by train from Budapest. Admission ticket costs 800 forints for adults and 400 for children. The castle is open for tours from 9am to 5pm.

Visegrad Fortress

One of the most mysterious and sinister castles in Hungary attracts lovers of scary stories from all over the world. Vysehrad Fortress, or Count Dracula's castle, is located north of Budapest in the city of Vysehrad. The castle was built in the 14th century by King Karoly Robert. IN different time Vlad the Impaler III (Dracula) was detained in the dungeon of the fortress for twelve years, as well as Sigismund of Luxembourg. There are other legends that Vlad the Impaler tortured animals in the dark, damp basements of the castle; according to another version, Count Dracula was only under house arrest in the fortress, and after receiving mercy from the king, he married his cousin. The married couple spent a happy life in the castle.

The castle is located in the town of Ferted, 180 km from Budapest. Esterhazy Palace is its main attraction. It is made in the Baroque style and was nicknamed the “Hungarian Versailles” for its pomp and beauty.

Construction of the castle began in 1720 on the orders of József Esterházy; the architect was the Austrian Anton Erhardt Martinelli. Initially, Esterhazy wanted to see a hunting castle here, but after Miklos became prince, the project changed. On the territory it was decided to build a luxurious palace, opera and puppet theaters, a church, a music house, and a horse yard. The first residents moved in in 1766. However, the final construction was completed much later. From 1766 to 1790, the musician Joseph Haydn lived in the castle, who created most of the works for the princely orchestra of Esterházy. During World War II, the palace housed a hospital.

In total, the castle housed 126 rooms. The most luxurious is the hall for receiving guests; its ceiling is decorated with an image of Apollo and his chariot. Today, part of the palace functions as a museum and is open to visitors, while the other part operates as a hotel.

The castle is open to visitors from 10.00 to 18.00 tourist season(spring, summer, autumn) and from 10.00 to 16.00 - in winter time. Adults can enter the castle grounds for 2,000 forints, children, students and pensioners for 1,000 forints.

 

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