This central European gem has many gorgeous items of structure however none are fairly as grand because the castles in Hungary. With its central place, Hungary was typically underneath siege which led to many castles being constructed for cover all through the centuries.
At this time the Hungarian castles stand as a reminder of the previous and to honor the nation’s lengthy heritage. Lots of the castles have been house to royal households, nice leaders, and served to guard the folks.
Right here’s a brief checklist of the most effective castles in Hungary open to go to in your subsequent journey!
Hungarian Castles FAQ
- What number of castles are in Hungary? There are 103 Castles within the Nation of Hungary a lot of that are open to the general public.
- What’s the oldest fortress in Hungary? The Buda Citadel is the oldest fortress in Hungary courting again to 1265. Since that point it has been added on to, renovated, and broken by conflict many instances.
- Why does Hungary have so many castles? In Midevil instances castles have been inbuilt Hungary primarily for cover. Within the 1700s and 1800s some castles and palaces we renovated by royals and elites to be become personal residences.
- What castles are in Budapest? Town of Budapest has two castles, Buda Castles and Vajdahunyad Citadel.
1. Buda Citadel
Located on high of Citadel Hill in Budapest, Buda Citadel is a surprising Baroque palace overlooking the Danube River. The unique fortress was inbuilt 1265 by King Béla IV of Hungary to defend in opposition to the invading Mongols and Tartars. It was altered by residing Kings over the following few centuries till it was severely broken within the 1500s and 1600s by totally different military forces. The present construction that you simply see as we speak was inbuilt 1769.
Though there are over 200 rooms within the fortress, a lot of them have been destroyed throughout WWII. The fortress courts, fishermen’s bastion, and the historic sq. are nonetheless open to guests. There are additionally quite a few websites positioned inside the fortress partitions, together with the Hungarian Nationwide Gallery, the Budapest Citadel Museum, and the Budapest Citadel Library.
You possibly can attain Buda Citadel by strolling uphill (15-minutes) in the direction of the Citadel District, or by taking the funicular. It’s additionally value spending time strolling across the Citadel District itself. The winding cobblestone streets and fantastically preserved Baroque homes are full of attraction. For those who solely see one of many lovely castles in Hungary, it ought to be this one.
2. Vajdahunyad Citadel Budapest
The Vajdahunyad Citadel Budapest was inbuilt 1896 as a monument to commemorate the 1,000 anniversary of Hungary because the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin. The constructing has elaborate Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance types. It was modeled after a number of different castles, such because the Kingdom of Hungary and the Hunyard Citadel in Romania. These totally different types showcase the architectural evolution of Hungary over the previous couple of centuries.
These days, the courtyards of Vajdahunyad Citadel Budapest are used for festivals, live shows, and exhibitions. One of many fortress’s greatest highlights is the statue of “Anonymus,” who many consider to be King Béla III. The fortress incorporates the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, the most important agricultural museum in Europe. Visiting the museum is the one solution to see the inside of the constructing.
Associated: Museums in Budapest
3. Sümeg Citadel
The imposing Sümeg Citadel is perched atop Citadel Hill overlooking the small village of Sümeg. This Thirteenth-century fortress was constructed by Bela IV, though it was drastically expanded over the following few centuries and was even fortified by the Turks. In 1713, the whole fortress was lit on fireplace by Austrian occupants in Hungary, destroying giant sections. The present constructing was restored within the 1900s.
Contained in the constructing, you’ll discover a torture chamber, a medieval kitchen, a chapel, stables, and even an on-site coach museum. The protection draw bridge, cannons, and cisterns stay from the fortress’s fortress days.
4. Royal Palace of Visegrád
The unique web site of the Royal Palace of Visegrád was inbuilt 1325 by King Charles I of Hungary. When the throne was handed to King Charles’ son, King Louis, main building was performed to the palace. At first, he expanded totally different rooms of the palace, however then utterly dismantled the whole constructing to make room for a brand new construction. The brand new palace was used as the first residence of the Hungarian Kings till the early 1400s.
Sadly, the fortress was destroyed in 1544 by the Ottoman Turks. It was left to crumble and was utterly buried just some centuries later. A big portion of the palace has been excavated and restored, though solely 20 of the unique 350 rooms are open to the general public.
Throughout your go to, you’ll see the royal bed-chamber, a kitchen, and the St. George’s chapel. Sitting on the middle of the palace within the Courtroom of Honour is the purple marble Hercules Fountain, which is definitely a duplicate of the unique fountain that lives within the Matthias Corvinus Museum.
5. Festetics Palace
The spectacular Festetics Palace was initially constructed to be the residence for the prosperous Festetics Household, who immigrated from Croatia throughout the seventeenth century. Though Kristóf Festetics, the household’s patriarch, began building in 1745, he didn’t survive to see the result. It took three totally different architects greater than 140 years to finish the palace, which is now the third-largest palace within the nation.
The sheer measurement of the Festetics Palace makes it among the finest castles to see in Hungary. There are two tales, 34 ornately-decorated rooms, and even an on-site library. Because it was not broken throughout WWII, a lot of the fortress stays in its authentic situation. You may as well see many artifacts, books, and furnishings used within the fortress throughout the late 1800s.
After Kristóf’s loss of life, the palace was handed right down to the remainder of his household. Kristóf’s great-great-great-great-grandson, Prince Tassilo II, was the final member of the family to reside in Festetics Palace. It’s now a museum with a number of reveals showcasing the aristocratic way of life in Hungary throughout the nineteenth century.
6. Bory Citadel
Rory Citadel is an interesting murals and a first-rate instance of Hungarian structure. In 1912, Jenõ Bory purchased a one-acre property in Székesfehérvár and determined to construct a palace that will turn into his summer season residence. Bory himself deliberate, coordinated, and constructed the palace by hand in simply 40 years, with the assistance of some different staff.
As soon as it was completed, the palace was nearly 1,000 toes excessive. The large construction contains seven towers, 30 totally different rooms, a dungeon, and manicured gardens. Bory then continued to personally beautify the inside of the fortress. There are a number of hundred statues dotted across the property, and much more work, mosaics, and antiques. Many individuals consider that the work of Hungarian historical past within the Courtroom of the Hundred Columns are essentially the most hanging issues to see within the palace.
The tree-lined gardens surrounding the fortress are nearly as lovely because the constructing itself. The entrance backyard incorporates a lot of Bory’s concrete statues and fountains. The rose backyard features a extra intimate set of artwork. Not solely will you discover a white marble portrait of Bory’s spouse, however you’ll additionally see a number of busts of his pals and fellow artists. Lastly, you’ve the Elephant Backyard, which sits underneath the archway on the second terrace. Right here, you’ll see a peculiar statue of an enormous elephant standing on a ball.
7. Brunszvik Citadel Martonvásár
Inbuilt 1785, the Brunszvik Citadel is a romantic, fairy-tale-like palace surrounded by lush gardens and glowing lakes. It was restored 100 years later and designed in a neo-Gothic fashion.
Even should you aren’t conversant in the Brunszvik Citadel, you would possibly know considered one of its most well-known company: Ludwig van Beethoven was pals with many alternative members of the Bruszvik household. Because of this, Beethoven visited the fortress a number of instances all through his life and even wrote his iconic composition Fur Elise whereas staying on the property.
As considered one of Martonvásár’s hottest vacationer points of interest, the Brunszvik Citadel is a uncommon glimpse into this famed composer’s life. It’s additionally house to the nation’s solely Beethoven Museum. Right here, you’ll be taught extra about Beethoven’s connection to the Bruszvik household, and see just a few of his private objects that have been used within the fortress. One of many more odd artifacts within the museum is a lock of his hair, which is sealed in a glass body.
Moreover a go to to the Beethoven Museum, it’s value strolling across the fortress grounds. This tree-lined park has somewhat lake with a small island within the center, which may be accessed by an arched picket footbridge.
- Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10 am – 12pm, 2pm – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10 am – 12pm, 2pm – 5pm
- Ticket worth: 1,800 HUF (adults) 900 (diminished)
- Handle: Martonvásár, Brunszvik u. 2, 2462
8. Esterházy Citadel Pápa
The historic Esterházy Citadel was constructed between 1773 and 1784 by the Esterházy household. This aristocratic household owned a number of giant properties and was probably the most influential households throughout the Astro-Hungarian Empire. The fortress sits on the positioning of what was as soon as a medieval fortress. Its present Baroque construction was even constructed utilizing a few of the fortress’ outdated stones. Across the fortress, you’ll discover acres of lush inexperienced gardens.
In contrast to different castles in Hungary, Esterházy Citadel affords reside guided excursions with costumed actors. From the second you stroll by means of the door, you’ll be transported again to the 18th-century as you’re greeted by nobles and aristocrats. All through the tour, you’ll achieve perception into their way of life, with conventional reside dances, songs, and tales from this era.
Esterházy Citadel additionally hosts quite a lot of enjoyable and fascinating occasions. You possibly can take photos sporting your very personal Baroque costume, or join considered one of their chocolate bonbon making courses. There’s even an on-site marionette theater, in addition to a everlasting artwork exhibition dedicated to the works of Antal Nemcsics.
- Hours: Opening and tour hours range by season
- Ticket worth: 2,100 HUF (adults) 1,200 (diminished)
- Handle: Pápa, Fő tér 1, 8500
9. Royal Palace of Gödöllő
Positioned within the central metropolis of Gödöllő, The Royal Palace of Gödöllő is thought for being the favourite retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph and Queen Elizabeth (extra generally generally known as Sisi).
It was constructed within the early 1700s and noticed totally different restorations and additions throughout its lifetime. After Queen Elizabeth’s loss of life, the fortress was handed over to the Hungarian admiral Regent Miklós Horthy, earlier than being utterly restored within the Eighties.
Now, the palace is an enormous double U-shaped construction with eight wings, a church, a theater, and even a using corridor, that are all open to guests. It’s additionally value visiting the King’s Corridor Pavilion, positioned just a few toes from the property. This pavilion is the final remaining constructing from the unique construction and incorporates 54 oil work depicting Hungarian leaders, Kings, and conquests.
Lots of Queen Elizabeth’s rooms have been additionally preserved, together with her royal suite, dressing room, and writing room. The rooms have been restored and embellished to replicate the fashion of when she lived there. The backyard and veranda surrounding the fortress have been additionally constructed to commemorate her life.
10. Siklos Citadel
Siklos Citadel has a prolonged historical past with Hungary’s most noble households. Because it was constructed within the mid-1200s, it has been owned by the Soklyosi household, the Gara household, and the Batthyany-Strattmann household, to call just a few. It was offered to the state in 1936 and finally used as a jail throughout WWII.
Guests can now see the renovated fortress in its full glory by exploring one of many many museums on the property. There’s the medieval navy exhibition, the fortress historical past exhibition, a WWI and WWII exhibition, and even a winemaking exhibition. You may as well tour the torture chambers, the fortress chapel, and a number of other different rooms that stay from the fortress’s golden years throughout the fifteenth century.
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