A historic castle ruin in southern Hungary has suffered significant damage after unknown individuals allegedly dismantled part of its medieval wall to build a fire pit during what locals describe as a wild overnight party.
The incident took place at Máré Castle, one of the best-known historical landmarks in the Mecsek Hills near the village of Magyaregregy in Baranya County.
Stones torn from centuries-old castle wall
According to reports by ATV Híradó, a group believed to consist of young people removed stones from the castle’s wall and used them to construct a makeshift fire pit. The perpetrators reportedly dismantled a section of the historic structure covering approximately three to four square metres.
Stones that were not needed for the fire pit were allegedly thrown down the hillside, causing further damage to the protected site.
The destruction has shocked local residents, who say the damage goes far beyond ordinary vandalism. The removed stones had formed part of the castle walls for centuries and are considered part of Hungary’s cultural heritage.
Evidence points to a large party
Locals who helped clean the area the following morning discovered large quantities of rubbish, including empty beer bottles, energy drink cans and other waste scattered around the castle grounds.
Perhaps most surprisingly, dozens of used condoms were reportedly found at the scene. According to witnesses, some had even been hung near the entrances to the castle ruins.
The unusual combination of litter, alcohol containers and other evidence led some locals to speculate that a large party — described by Hungarian media as an “orgy” — may have taken place at the site.
Serious legal consequences possible
Although police have not publicly commented on the case, legal experts warn that those responsible could face severe penalties.
An attorney interviewed by ATV said that both theft and criminal damage could potentially be established, given that stones were removed from a protected historic monument. In cases involving cultural heritage sites, offenders may face substantial prison sentences.
According to the legal expert, the most serious charges could carry penalties ranging from several years up to six or seven years of imprisonment.
Restoration could cost millions of forints
Experts say repairing the damage will not be a straightforward task. A local archaeologist explained that restoring a medieval monument requires specialist conservation work rather than ordinary masonry. Reconstructing the damaged section of wall will involve careful restoration to preserve the site’s historical authenticity.
Balázs Koch, the castle’s caretaker, told ATV that the cost of repairs could reach several million forints. It remains unclear who will ultimately bear the financial burden once the investigation is completed.
A reminder of the vulnerability of historic sites
Perched in the forests of the Mecsek Hills, Máré Castle is one of Baranya’s most popular historical attractions, drawing visitors, hikers and history enthusiasts throughout the year. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and no suspects have yet been identified.
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Like graffiti tags blighting our cities, this is a product of low I.Q. and a permissive society.
Low intellect you can’t fix but the notion of being able to get away with anything you can. You start early and put the fear of the Almighty (and the police, teachers, senior citizens, and anyone in authority) into kids.
The retards, and that is truly the only word to describe them, never had their a…s kicked. If they had, they would never, ever have considered doing this.
It’s not too late, though. When they are caught, turn off the body cams and make sure they each walk into a doorpost on the way to the holding cell.