Section of historic Hungarian castle hidden for centuries to be restored!

The Fiľakovo (Fülek) municipal government has announced plans to restore the Fülek Castle’s oldest section, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, which is currently in poor structural condition. The project will also include the construction of an observation deck in the Upper Castle’s Clock Tower, which is currently closed to visitors.

Restoration project marks 22nd year

According to the city’s statement, restoration efforts have been ongoing since 2003. Thanks largely to funding from the European Union, much of the Lower and Middle Castles have been renovated over the years, including the Bebek Tower, which houses the Fiľakovo Castle Museum. In addition to restoring historic buildings, the city has built new infrastructure for visitors, including a parking lot and public restrooms.

However, the fortress’s oldest section, the Upper Castle, remains in poor shape, with some structures estimated to be around 800 years old. The city (now in Slovakia but part of historic Hungary) pointed out that falling stones have even begun to pose a safety risk to the streets below in recent years.

Significant funding secured for restoration

Over the years, the city has secured more than EUR 705,000 in funding for restoring the upper part of the fortress. The total cost of the project, however, is expected to exceed EUR 767,000. Under the Slovakia Program, the Slovak Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informatisation has recently awarded Fiľakovo an additional EUR 100,000 in support.