Photo Gallery: Hungarian medieval castle unknown bastion found

The remains of the north-western bastion of the former Egerszeg castle have been found in  Zalaegerszeg. One half of the object with a diameter of 11.5 metres was found under the demolished houses.

The 17th-century artefacts were discovered during excavations in the area of the planned cradle house and car park. The news was announced at a press conference on Wednesday, Blikk reported.

One half of the object with a diameter of 11.5 metres was found under the demolished houses at Mérleg Square in Zalaegerszeg. Its continuation is probably under the car park next to it, said Zoltán Orha, archaeologist and museologist of the Göcseji Museum.

A long excavation process

The north-eastern bastion was excavated in 2002. Based on the finds and documents found at that time, the ground plan of the castle wall was drawn up, recalled Bálint Havasi, general director of the Zalaegerszeg Museum Directorate. The remains of the bastion were found on the 20th of September with an accuracy of 4 to 5 metres.

Wood piles at the excavation of the north-west bastion of the former Egerszeg castle MTI/Katona Tibor

Traces of wood piles MTI/Katona Tibor

Archaeological excavation of Göcseji Museum at Zalaegerszeg MTI/Katona Tibor

Naturalists and museum experts could tell when the tree was felled by the pattern and depth of the tree’s growth rings. The analysis provided accurate data that will help to understand the construction of the castle.

László Vándor, the archaeologist who led the excavations two decades ago, pointed out that the castle of Eger had an important historical role in the Middle Ages. In 1664, the Turks occupied Kanizsa Castle. After that, Egerszeg became the centre of a series of outposts built to protect the borders.

The excavation welcomes students

“For 90 years, the vice-captain of the castle led the defence against the Turks. After the Turkish conquest, the palisaded castle and the old episcopal courthouse were demolished. Today’s district courthouse was built on the site of that area” – the archaeologist recalled.

During the week, the excavation site also welcomes groups of primary and secondary school students who learn about the mediaeval history of Zalaegerszeg under the guidance of museum educators and archaeologists. Once the reconstruction work is completed, a monument marking the location of the mediaeval bastion will be erected in Mérleg Square.

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