Without a doubt, Hungary is an architectural paradise with endless sights to see starting from the capital, to bigger countryside cities and lesser-known hidden locations. As the country was founded at the beginning of the medieval era, it is no wonder that the Hungarian ancestors built many castles and these five are definite musts if you spend your time in the country.
Castle of Boldogkő
On one of the hills of the lonely Zemplén area, this magnificent Hungarian castle rises from the ground. Its history is quite complicated because the remained written documents archaeologist found cannot state precisely the date when the castle was built. Historians believe that it was built and founded after 1242. In the first found written Hungarian document, the castle is mentioned under the name Castrum Boldua and was built and founded by Endre III in 1282 with the permission of King Béla IV.
There were many names of this castle during the centuries before it got its final name: Bolduakev, Bódokheő, and Bodókő.
The castle was destroyed and renovated many times. The last significant reconstruction work took place in 2002 when many walls, towers and other features of the castle were removed or restored. Despite the many changes and its stormy history, this Hungarian castle with an incredible view and scenery is absolutely a must if you spend your time in the country.
Castle of Füzér
This Hungarian castle is one of the castles of the country which was founded and built before the first devastating tragedy of Hungary the Mongol invasion between 1241 and 1242. As it was built in the 13th century, it is one of the earliest-built and oldest castles of the country.
The castle played an essential part in Hungary’s life, especially in the 16th century. In 1526 the country suffered its most significant loss against the Turkish army in Mohács. To protect the Holy Crown of Hungary – which was expelled to sever danger – it was not taken back to Visegrád, its original place, but it was hidden in the castle of Füzér.
Between 2014 and 2016, the castle was fully renovated and opened in front of the public. The place has an exclusive visitor centre, exhibitions and other programs for children and adults as well.
Castle of Sárospatak
The Rákóczi Castle in the town of Sárospatak is the most famous castle in the country. The castle is one of the most monumental and valuable Renaissance building in Hungary which attracts many tourists every year.
The castle was built in 1530 four years after the tragedy in Mohács. Hungarian nobleman György Rákóczi I became the lord of the castle in 1616. During the era of the Rákóczis, the iconic Renaissance elements were added to the castle and its surroundings.
The castle has been renovated and awaits arriving guests with lots of colourful programs and three different exhibitions.
Castle of Siklós
The castle of Siklós, which guards the southern border of Hungary, was the residence of the most important noble families in medieval Hungary. This monument reminds the Hungarian people of a past that is both glorious and sorrowful.
The castle was mentioned first in 1294 when it was the property of the Soklyosi family. In 1387, Sigismund, the young king of Hungary, punished the family by taking away the castle and its estates, following a failed rebellion against him.
Between 2009 and 2011, thanks to grants from Norway and the European Union, parts of the castle were renovated and can be visited.
Castle of Sümeg
This castle is one of the most beautiful and most intact one in the country. The castle was built between the 12th and 14th centuries; each century gave something to the building. After the revolution of the Rákóczis in 1713 the castle was burned down entirely and remained abandoned until the 20th century.
In 1957, the renovation of the castle began but was not finished. In 1988, the castle became extremely dangerous.
In 1989, the renovations continued, and finally, the castle was opened in front of the public after many years. It is one of the most popular locations for hiking in Hungary.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons by Péter Szvitek
Five must-see castles in Hungary you must put on your bucket list – Photos
Source: Daily News Hungary
