Palaces and castles of Hungary. Fortresses with museums in Hungary: history lives here. Wonderful atmosphere of a wonderful corner

Hungary is located in Central Europe, so it was not spared from the main historical events of the continent. This had a direct impact on architecture. During the period of attack from the Turks and other neighbors on the mainland, local rulers had to build many castles and fortresses in order to keep at least part of the country in their hands. Some of the fortifications have survived to this day and have become tourist attractions.

They didn’t think much about the choice of names in Hungary. Often castles and fortresses are named after the cities in which they were built, or after the names of the families behind the construction. Most of them have now undergone reconstruction. Restored buildings have been turned into museums, like Vajdahunyad and Sümeg, or converted into hotels, like Gresham Palace.

The best palaces and castles in Hungary

The most interesting and beautiful medieval fortresses. List, photos with names and descriptions!

1. Buda Castle

The first residence of the kings in Budapest was founded on this site in the middle of the 13th century. During its existence, it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The current ensemble is a combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Since the 60s of the last century, both the exterior and the interiors have been restored. You can get to the fortress both by regular transport and by funicular. Since 1987 included in the list World Heritage UNESCO.

2. Vaidahunyad

Built in Budapest as part of the country's 1000th anniversary celebrations. It is based on a project by Ignaz Alpar. The architect combined several styles and made references to other familiar buildings in Hungary. Initially, it was just a pavilion, but both locals and tourists liked the attraction, so the castle was completely rebuilt. Nowadays there is an exposition of the agricultural museum inside.

3. Bori

The most romantic castle in Hungary. Located an hour's drive from Budapest. It was built over 40 years, starting in 1912. Architect Jeno Bori dedicated the project to his wife Ilona. Her images decorate the castle along with sculptures of kings and frescoes. In 1980, Bori's grandchildren carried out reconstruction. Now most of the premises are open to the public. Newlyweds arrange photo sessions here.

4. Brunswick

The castle is located in Martonvashar, which is 30 km from the capital. Famous for its Negothic style and English park, which stretches over 70 hectares. The name is given by the name of the family that initiated the construction. Beethoven visited Brunswick. This became the reason for opening a composer's museum in the castle. Nearby there is a museum of the history of kindergartens, since Theresa Brunswik founded the first such institution in the country.

5. Visegrad Fortress

Built on the ruins of an ancient Roman fort in the 13th century. It stood in its original form for a couple of centuries, and then was successively destroyed by the Turks and Austrians. Already in our century, they decided to restore the Visegrad fortress and use it as a tourist attraction. There is a wax museum on the premises. Some rooms have been recreated. Those interested can do archery in the courtyard.

6. Sumeg Fortress

It is considered the oldest preserved in the country. It has stood on the hill since the 11th century. Many people came together here transport routes. The 13th-century tower is dedicated to a weapons museum. His collection is not limited to pistols and daggers. Among the exhibits: armor, archaeological finds, household items and even antique carriages. The torture chamber has also been recreated, terrifying visitors.

7. Esterhazy

This castle is also called the “Hungarian Versailles”. Official name derived from the surname of the family that owned it. Built in the city of Fertőd in 1720. Architectural style – Rococo. It was erected in a short time. During World War II there was a hospital here. Now part of the building is reserved for a hotel. Open here Opera theatre, "Orange House", Puppet Theater and Music House.

8. Festecic Palace

The main attraction of the city of Keszthely. Built on the shores of Lake Balaton in the 18th century. The appearance is copied from the architectural masterpieces of France. Named in honor of the family that stood at the origins of the palace. Festecic is currently receiving representatives scientific community for giving lectures and holding conferences. Several halls are dedicated to the weapons museum, and on the second floor there is a library.

9. Gedelle Palace

One of the most luxurious and largest buildings of this type in the country. Is in city ​​of the same name, 30 km from Budapest. The palace dates back to the 18th century and was rebuilt several times, new wings were added, but the style remained in a strict manner. There is a park around it, occupying 29 hectares. In the 90s of the last century architectural masterpiece was in a terrible state. Restoration of the main part of the building has already been completed.

10. Diosgyor Fortress

The most musical in Hungary. Located in Miskolc since the 14th century. On the approaches to the fortress, tourists get acquainted with the protected chestnut alley. The acoustics of the halls allow musical performances, historical performances and festivals of various kinds to be held in Diosgyor. In addition, the halls display exhibits from the museum of medieval weapons, archaeological finds, as well as wax figures.

11. Eger Fortress

The first buildings on this site appeared in the 13th century, and the current appearance took shape three centuries later. First of all, the fortress is famous for the battle between the Hungarians and the Turks, when the latter were 40 times more numerous. The defenders withstood a siege lasting 33 days. According to legend, they were helped by a local special wine called “Bull’s Blood.” Now in summer months Staged knightly tournaments are held here.

12. Koszeg

Founded in the 13th century. It has changed in appearance throughout its history. In front of the entrance there is a monument to Miklos Jurisic, the captain who led the defense of the city during the Turkish attack. After restoration, the fortress was allocated for local history museum. The exhibits there are divided into several separate topics. Other premises housed a mini-hotel, Cultural Center and the fortress theater.

13. Battyani

The name is the surname of the family that built the castle in the 17th century. The location of the fortress near the thermal resort of Kehidakushtani attracts attention to it large quantity tourists. There is a vast park around. Here you can find trees whose age exceeds three centuries. Currently, the Batthyany Family hotel and museum operate within the castle walls. The latter has a portrait gallery and an interactive exhibition.

14. Nadashdi

Main architectural landmark resort town Sharvar. The medieval Gothic building is recognized historical monument. The exact date of construction is unknown. The castle was first mentioned in documents in 1288. One of the local beauties is the frescoes on the ceilings and walls. They describe scenes from the Old Testament. Now the halls of the castle are given over to museums, a library and a wedding palace.

15. Gresham Palace

Built in the capital at the beginning of the last century near the Danube embankment. It was conceived as an office and residential complex in the Art Nouveau style. For some time after the Budapest operation, Red Army soldiers were stationed in the palace. Now it has changed its purpose and has been converted into an expensive hotel. During the reconstruction, some original details of the interior decoration were preserved, for example, decorative grilles and the main staircase.

16. Szigliget Fortress

Dated to the 60s of the 13th century. It stands on Castle Hill, and from the top point it opens panoramic view to Lake Balaton. The fortress took part in battles with the Turks. It was rebuilt in the 17th century, and less than a century later it was destroyed by order of the Austrian authorities. Since the 90s of the last century, restoration work and excavations have been carried out. One of the interesting finds is underground passages and labyrinths.

17. Gyula Fortress

Located on the coast of the Korös River. The fortress was built in the 14th century as part of the fortification of cities during the confrontation with the Turks. Military conflicts could not but affect the appearance of the attraction. It survived and was preserved for posterity, but went through a full-scale restoration. This is the only brick fortress of its time in Europe that was not destroyed.

18. Tati

After the Turks swept through most of Hungary and captured cities along the way, Tati became the main fortress of the country. But in the 16th century it also lost its independence, subsequently changing many owners. The location on the shore of the lake gives the monumental structure a romantic look. The castle has lost its former shine. The halls and courtyard area are open to the public, but the attraction has not yet been completely restored.

19. Ratskeve

The castle was built in the first half of the 18th century. Originally belonged to the Prince of Savoy, the famous commander and conqueror of the Turks. Inside there is stucco and decorative patterns, the balustrade is decorated with mythological figures. Currently, the architectural monument has become an expensive hotel, which has only 28 unique appearance and comfortable rooms. There is a park with alleys and figured flower beds around.

20. Siklos Fortress

One of the best preserved in the country. A wonderful example of medieval Hungarian architecture. Moreover, some of the premises and halls were built in the 18th century. There are several museums in the fortress. The most unusual is the museum of leather gloves. Music festivals are held in the summer. The variety of genres is impressive, both modern bands and brass bands perform.

21. Boldogko

Located near the border with Slovakia. The castle dates back to the 13th century. Its construction is due to the lack of a sufficient number of fortifications in the country, which is why the enemy easily captured part of the kingdom. The ruins were restored to their proper form in the 2000s. At the same time, the facility was equipped with passages convenient for tourists, and several exhibitions were organized. Co watchtower there is a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.

22. Pipo

The castle was founded by the commander and banker Pipo Ozorai. A typical defensive structure of its time. Currently, an exhibition area is located on the territory of the medieval landmark. The permanent exhibition includes paintings telling the history of Hungary. In the restored halls you can see armor and hunting trophies. Open to tourists all year round, but not all days of the week.

23. Fuser (Füzér vár)

The fortress was built on the top of a rocky cliff even before the invasion of the horde in the 13th century. Fuser is famous for the fact that the Hungarian crown was kept here for a year. Best time to visit the attraction - August, when a festival called “Days of the Fuser Fortress” is held. Any time of the year from observation deck the view is breathtaking. Reconstruction has been underway for several years.

24. Bishop's Palace

A new residence for bishops was built in the 18th century in Veszprém. It took longer to complete the work due to the death of the architect. Although the building belongs to the Baroque style, it is practically devoid of decorative decorations. But the interior decoration is richly decorated. The chapel has many frescoes, and several halls are reserved for art gallery. The palace is open to tourists from May to mid-October.

25. Shimontornya

The name translates as "Simon's Tower". The building dates back to the 13th century. Situated among the marshy areas of the Sio River. Each new owner sought to rebuild the castle in his own way. The style changed dramatically several times, for example from Gothic to Renaissance. Šimontornya looks compact, although the rooms inside are spacious. For 150 years the tower belonged to the Turks and remained almost unchanged.

Ancient castles, palaces, and fortresses are an integral part of the culture and history of Hungary. They have survived many wars, battles and historical events; today they will tell their visitors the legends and traditions of past centuries. Today, several hundred castles remain in Hungary. They survived the Mongol invasion, the rule of the Turks and the Second world war. Despite this, some of them are perfectly preserved.

Buda Castle or Royal Palace located in historical center Hungary. This large-scale structure stands on the top of a mountain; the peaks of the towers and night illumination can be seen from absolutely anywhere in the city. One of the most popular attractions was built in the 13th century and included three huge fortresses which were destroyed after the Turkish invasion. Subsequently, the castle was rebuilt several times, its modern look in the Baroque style he received it in 1714. During the Second World War, the building was damaged again - a strong fire damaged the interior. But in the post-war period, the fortress was restored and equipped with modern technologies. In front of the castle there are no less famous attractions: a sculpture of the Turul bird, a luxurious fountain with sculptures of hunters led by King Myatyas, St. Stephen's Tower.

In the area of ​​the fortress there is the Holy Trinity Square, which is decorated with the majestic Plague Pillar, also made in the Baroque style. Nearby stands the large Gothic Cathedral of King Matthias, where Hungarian royals were once crowned. The cathedral also includes the Loreto Chapel, in which the tomb of the king and queen is preserved. To the north of the cathedral is the Fisherman's Bastion, designed in the New Gothic style and built in 1895-1902.

You can walk around the castle and its surroundings for 1,400 Hungarian forints.

Vajdahunyad

The majestic Vajdahund Castle is a replica of the thirteenth-century fortress of the kings of Transylvania, Hunyadi. It is located in a picturesque ancient park Városliget in the historical city center. The castle was built relatively recently: during the celebration of the millennium of Hungary in 1896, it was decided to create this majestic fortress. During the celebrations, copies of all the most significant landmarks for Hungary were exhibited in the park. The models were made of wood or papier-mâché. The model of Hunyadi Castle, the original of which is located in Transylvania, was also recreated. The audience liked the model of the fortress so much that the government decided to recreate the castle in life-size here in the park. Construction was completed in 1908, and the castle is traditionally surrounded by a moat with water. Today the castle houses the Museum of Agriculture, one of the oldest in the country. It contains the history of the development of agriculture from ancient times to the present day.

You can walk around the castle grounds all day. If you walk along the picturesque bridge directly over the moat, you can see openwork Gothic gates; to the left of the castle there is a copy of a Romanesque monastery with a small chapel. On the right is a copy of the Shegeshwar fortress, and behind it is the Tower of the Apostles and the Italian palazzo. The castle, made in the Baroque style, is decorated inside with bas-reliefs depicting King Matthias and the Princess of Aragon.

Not far from the castle there is a famous sculpture, for which tourists come here - a monument to the writer who gave us the work “The Acts of the Hungarians” in the 12th century. His name is unknown. There is a legend that everyone who touches the pen of the great chronicler will gain wisdom and a sharp mind, and all students will definitely complete their studies with success.

The castle also houses a rich collection of hunting trophies. Another entertainment for tourists is tasting national wines. It is worth staying in the castle until the evening, because after sunset its walls are beautifully illuminated, and beautiful music plays in the garden. Festivals and concerts are often held on the castle grounds.

The Agricultural Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From the first of November to the end of March – until five o’clock in the evening. On weekends the museum is always open from 10.00 to 17.00.

Tickets to the museum cost 1,100 Hungarian forints for adults and 550 for children. All other attractions can be visited for free.

Borivar

The most romantic castle in Hungary, most popular place for couples in love, newlyweds and those who simply believe in true love. Not only the Taj Mahal is a symbol of eternal love, in Europe there is fairytale castle which a man built for his wife with his own hands. Jeno Bori, a Hungarian artist, single-handedly built a real castle for his beloved wife Ilona. It took him 40 years to build, which was completed in 1959. Construction proceeded with great difficulty; the artist was hampered by the war and a constant lack of funds. Bori sold his paintings and invested all the proceeds in construction.

This stunning architectural structure combines various styles and trends; the castle grounds are decorated with statues and paintings created by the hands of the artist himself and his beautiful wife. Inside the castle, the walls are decorated with portraits of Ilona - in almost every room there hangs a painting of her, painted by Jono Bori. The painter worshiped his wife as a goddess. He portrayed her as Madonna, and he depicted himself in the image of a fallen angel - at her feet. Ilona outlived her romantic husband by 15 years. In 1980, their grandchildren reconstructed the building.

The castle is located just an hour by train from Budapest. Admission ticket costs 800 forints for adults and 400 for children. The castle is open for tours from 9 am to 5 pm.

Visegrad Fortress

One of the most mysterious and sinister castles in Hungary attracts lovers here scary stories from all over the world. Vysehrad Fortress, or Count Dracula's castle, is located north of Budapest in the city of Vysehrad. The castle was built in the 14th century by King Robert Caroly. At various times, Vlad the Impaler III (Dracula) and Sigismund of Luxembourg were kept in the dungeon of the fortress for twelve years. There are other legends that Vlad the Impaler tortured animals in the dark, damp basements of the castle; according to another version, Count Dracula was only under house arrest in the fortress, and after receiving mercy from the king, he married his cousin. The married couple spent a happy life in the castle.

The castle is located in the town of Ferted, 180 km from Budapest. Esterhazy Palace is its main attraction. It is made in the Baroque style and was nicknamed the “Hungarian Versailles” for its pomp and beauty.

Construction of the castle began in 1720 on the orders of József Esterházy; the architect was the Austrian Anton Erhardt Martinelli. Initially, Esterhazy wanted to see a hunting castle here, but after Miklos became prince, the project changed. On the territory it was decided to build a luxurious palace, opera and puppet theaters, a church, a music house, and a horse yard. The first residents moved in in 1766. However, the final construction was completed much later. From 1766 to 1790, the musician Joseph Haydn lived in the castle, who created most of the works for the princely orchestra of Esterházy. During World War II, the palace housed a hospital.

In total, the castle housed 126 rooms. The most luxurious is the hall for receiving guests; its ceiling is decorated with an image of Apollo and his chariot. Today, part of the palace functions as a museum and is open to visitors, while the other part operates as a hotel.

The castle is open to visitors from 10.00 to 18.00 tourist season(spring, summer, autumn) and from 10.00 to 16.00 - in winter time. Adults can enter the castle territory for 2000 forints, children, students and pensioners - for 1000 forints.

Hungary is a country literally teeming with palaces and castles. They witnessed defeats and victories. About 800 Hungarian structures are considered monuments. Each of them keeps its own history.

Hungarian beautiful architecture, original local residents attract more and more tourists every year. Castles in Hungary will not leave anyone indifferent.

1. Diosgyor

The fortress is located approximately 3-5 hours from Budapest. On all sides it is strewn with chestnut alleys. In Diosgyor there are museums of medieval weapons and wax figures. But main feature Fortresses have special acoustics, because of which music festivals and grand shows are often held, which is why Diosgyor Fortress is also called the musical pride of the country.

2. Buda

In the capital of Hungary, Budapest, there is another main attraction, Buda Castle. The castle dome can be seen at any time of the year from anywhere in the city.

In ancient times, this castle was the residence of royal dynasties. Buda has seen a lot - this and peaceful times, and war, which is why it has reached our time with many protective structures. The ancient complex also houses the presidential palace, built for Vincent Sandor in the 19th century. But Buda was given over to the residence of the modern president in 2003. After this event, a military post began to stand at the entrance to the castle.

3. Citadel

Also, in the capital of Hungary, on Mount Gellert there is a massive citadel. It is under the protection of UNESCO. It is considered a World Heritage Site. The citadel holds the secrets of history. Nowadays you can see many exhibitions there. The citadel has a huge number of different holes and labyrinths. If you use them, you can get to anywhere in the city.

4. Eger

Perhaps Eger Castle is the best representative of ancient Hungary. Reconstructions and torture chambers, a local mint and war graves are all that will help you learn about the rich history of the ancient Hungarians. And for people with refined taste, there is the Egri Keptar Museum of Art on the territory of Eger. During public events, fairs are usually held here.

5. Esterhazy

Esterházy Castle is the largest structure built in Hungary. It was originally used as stables and a military hospital. Every year, festivals of reenactors with live music and royal scope are held on the territory of this palace.

6. Fisherman's Bastion

Another attraction of the capital of Hungary is the fishermen's bastion. Despite all the beauty of the bastion, tourists coming to Budapest first of all try to visit observation tower this castle, because it offers an unearthly beauty view of the entire city. In the courtyard of the fishermen's bastion, tourists admire the monuments to the heroes of Hungary. Also, in the bastion there is an underground chapel, entry to which is free.

On central square In the bastion there is a monument to St. Stephen, in whose hands there is an apostolic cross - for the Hungarians it is a symbol of faith.

7. Gödöllő Town Palace

The population of this town is only about thirty thousand people. The construction of Gödöllo Castle lasted a quarter of a century, and around this castle there was a beautiful park. From the very beginning of construction, the palace belonged to the royal family, but during the Second World War the building was destroyed. Also, during the war this building was used for completely different purposes. There was a warehouse and a nursing home there, and even soldiers lived there. From 1994 to 2007, the building was under restoration.

• Also read -

Of course, this is far from full list palaces and fortresses of Hungary, the list is endlessly long.

Old castles of Hungary and interesting routes

Cozy and small Eger known primarily for its healing thermal springs. They also serve delicious food with incredible Hungarian dishes, and most importantly, they treat you to delicious local wine, which, as the Hungarians say, has no equal in the entire country. We didn’t argue, but we did try some local delicacies, and we made a special video about it (see below!). But first we headed to the local noble residence.

ATTENTION! GOOGLE MAPS IN THE ARTICLE ARE USED AS ADDITIONAL LINKS AND ARE NOT EXACT ADDRESSES

Kishnany Castle in Hungary, Eger city, Hungary

Castle of Kisnana - an ancient family estate in the village of the same name near Eger, almost in Eger, the soft beauty of which makes local tourists explore literally every nook and cranny of the castle with curiosity. This is not to say that the architecture of the castle is spectacular, but it is attractive, warm, and mysterious.

The history of the castle clearly demonstrates how the architecture of the noble estates of Hungary changed and transformed, starting from the 13th century. Like many other buildings in the Matra region, Kishnani Castle(hereinafter referred to as Kishnana) belonged to the Aba clan and then to the Compolti family. Peter Compolti was fabulously rich and was in the queen’s court, which allowed him to pour considerable funds into the construction of the castle, which later went to his two sons.

Towards the end of the 15th century, the Compolti family died out in the male line, and the castle passed into
property of the Guti Orsag family. The castle was completed: it was equipped with a huge wine cellar near the chapel. The Northern Palace was reconstructed, the window openings were paved with bars in the style of Renaissance architecture.

In 1543 the Ottomans destroyed Kishnana almost to the ground. At that time they occupied Budapest and all surrounding cities, including Eger. Long years ruins of Kishnany Castle no one was doing it. The owners died, the castle actually belonged to no one. During the Second World War, the ruins of the castle were cleared and a training ground for military training was founded on the site of Kishnana. In the 1960s, production was carried out on the site of the ruins. archaeological excavations, and then the castle began to be restored.

Today's Kishnana it amazes with its ancient beauty: you can’t even say that the castle has gone through difficult times. The Northern Palace received a strong metal roof, all the walls were restored almost from scratch, modern metal stairs and passages were installed, everything is durable, monolithic, reliable.

A huge amount of money was spent on the reconstruction of the castle. The project was financed by authorized organizations of the European Union. The total cost of the project exceeded 340 million forints (approximately 80 million rubles as of November 27, 2018). Restorers in the 2000s. The castle, terraces, and exhibition halls were restored.

The wine cellar has wine storage facilities and a hall for holding events.
Visitors are invited to admire the castle's past with reference to chronoscope data: to plunge into history, to imagine what the castle was like hundreds of years ago.

The castle is very well equipped: there is even a mobile hall for holding events. For the convenience of visitors, an access bridge and an embankment decorated with lamps leading to the bridge were built.

Kishnani Castle It is brilliantly lit and is a hypnotic sight at night. Naturally, such beauty cannot be ignored. Festivals, games, conferences, tournaments, the famous Peach Day in Hungary (in Hungary, peaches are a dime a dozen, they are called “fruits of tranquility”) are constantly held here. traditional holidays, major events and shows.

Legends of Kishnana

We all like to recognize legends. And many even travel to touch shrines or make wishes. So here are some reasons for this. There are many legends here, the most interesting ones are about dragons!

The dragon guards the lovers

When Commander Tomas, at the head of the Hussite movement (a religious movement created by John Hus), attacked the castle, Istvan Compolti asked King Sigismund to return the fortress to him. The king arrived at the dinner party to meet Tomas.

There he insidiously mixed an intoxicating compound into the cup of Katka, Tomas’s beloved. She, under the influence of a potion, gave the king the key to the king, he and the courtiers broke into the castle and killed everyone. Tomas, running away, jumped out of the window, and Katka rushed after him.

Sigismund ordered the bodies of the lovers to be covered with stones and called this place a guarding dragon. At the site of the makeshift tomb, a sign was placed that forms two figures; it is designed not to interfere with the dragon.

After a thousand years, according to legend, the king’s knights will return to the castle, the dragon will wake up, and with him the Resurrected Sigismund or his incarnation will again maintain the peace and prosperity of the castle.

Legend of the Sleeping Dragon

The matter was not limited to just one dragon, a stone one. There is a belief that in the forests of the hills near Eger there lived a dragon. He was respected.

And the dragon respected and loved the members of the Kompolt dynasty. When the last member of the family died,
the dragon mourned him and came to the castle to say goodbye, and there he fell asleep in a thousand-year sleep.

The legend, too, is inclined to believe that in 1,000 years the dragon will wake up and love and happiness will reign in the castle again. In the meantime, luck will favor those who hear the dragon's breath. How to do it?

You need to throw a coin on the floor in the castle, and if you don’t hear a ringing sound, it means that at that time the dragon yawned and absorbed the sound of metal hitting the floor. This means that luck will be with you all your life!

And now we invite you to watch a video about Kishnana Castle. We have made a mini-review of the main points for you: how to get there, what to see.

Video from the town of Egerszalok and excursion to the Castle of Kisnana

Kishnana coordinates: 47.852° N. w. 20.146° E. d. We provide accurate information, since finding a castle is not easy!

And now we move on to more mundane pleasures - to dishes. There’s no other way to call them - the food is delicious!

Restaurant Piroska Etterem in the village of Egerszalok, Hungary

Although the name of the restaurant reads “piroshka etterem”, we are not talking about pies. Translated from Hungarian, the restaurant is called the “Red Restaurant”.

We liked that the menu here is provided in Russian, which is extremely convenient, otherwise you might buy a pie, but it turns out that it was red fish! Talk a lot about the restaurant Piroska etterem We won’t: everything is on video. Look, remember. And we lick our lips, remembering: after all, we ate a hearty meal!

Video from restaurant Piroska Etterem

Restaurant address: 3394, Egerszalók, Ady Endre u. 42. Phone: +36 30/ 696 78 48.

We ate, walked, and it’s time to get treatment. Now we are planning to head to the local thermal springs, which are located in Egerszalok. Although, no! First, we will tell you what to do in Eger: since you also came here or are planning to come.

City of Eger: attractions, baths

Before we tell you about Egerszalók and its famous baths, let’s take a mental walk around Eger.

We won’t write much about Eger itself, we’ll just go over its history very briefly and talk about local beauty. A unique wine called “Eger Bull Blood” is produced here, there are many historical buildings, and the attractions include the above-mentioned castle and thermal springs.

City of Eger is located 130 kilometers from Budapest. Get to Egera very simple on
by bus, by train. For many centuries, religion played an important role in the life of the city: an ancient bishopric was founded here, and to this day Eger considered one of the key religious centers in Hungary. In the 13th century, a huge citadel was built on Fortress Hill, which is considered the most important landmark of the city. During World War II, Eger was not destroyed like other cities, so many Baroque palaces and temples have been preserved in their original form, which attracts historians, cultural experts, architects, and artists from all over the world.

In the city of Eger you can visit the Turkish minaret built in the 17th century, Cathedral, Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Church of the Cistercian Order. In general, as we have already said, the city has rich history and is directly related to religious trends, so there are a lot of basilicas and cathedrals here, you can just walk and see everything. There are museums.

Visit the “Valley of Beautiful Women” - local wines are served here. There are also local baths, the most famous is the “Turkish Bath”, it was built in the 17th century, and today there is a modern balneological hospital Eger.

Egerszalok: baths, hotel

Egerszalok - a small village 6 km from Eger, not particularly outstanding. But there are thermal springs with magnesium-calcium bicarbonate water. The source comes from a depth of 410 meters, and the water temperature reaches 68 °C. Water contains many essential microelements. It is curious that similar sources (if we compare thermal springs in terms of the content of useful substances) are found only in a few places on the globe: in the USA, in Turkey. In Europe, such a source is the only one! In 1992, the waters of the thermal spring were given medicinal status.

Naturally, it was created next to the sources thermal resort. He wears the same name with
village name - to Egerszalok resort . It has been operating since 2006 and is a hydropathic and wellness bathhouse (wellness is a healthy lifestyle in our opinion). The resort is located near the foot of the Bükk and Matra mountains in the valley of the Lashko river.

The bathhouse has 17 outdoor and indoor pools, total area which is 1,900 sq. m. Both old people, adults, and children will enjoy relaxing at the resort: there are all conditions.

Outdoor pools are located in the valley: all around there are beautiful panoramas, fresh air, sunshine. Up to 1,000 people can be in the baths at the same time. There are swimming pools, some with seating, some with Charcot showers, there are Jacuzzis, there are pools with animators and water gymnastics trainers working in them, there are pools for children, and even pools with an echo - just for fun: for every taste.

In the baths at the resort you can order massage courses, visit saunas, Finnish and Russian baths, and undergo treatments using ice, beer, sea salt, and honey. There is a cosmetology salon and a SPA salon. You can take a bath with grapes! Seaweed bath! A bath of mud and chocolate, gold and black pearls. They even practice enotherapy - treatment with wine.

If you want to exercise, a well-equipped gym is at your disposal. There is a beach with attractions, a pub, bowling alley, and a self-service restaurant. In general, guys, it’s easier to say what’s not here. By the way, next to the baths there is a lake around which you can ride bicycles and have a picnic on the shore.

Let's talk about the local baths of Egerszalók

The pools are equipped with nozzles from which thermal water shoots out under pressure. Both massage and benefits. Beware of bruises: the stream is strong.

The pool water differs in temperature: where it is warmer, where it is hotter, where it is cooler. Choose according to your taste. Around there are salt deposits in the form of mounds: they are washed in by a spring, so the area looks no worse than the slopes of Pamukkale in Turkey.

There are indoor swimming pools inside the resort. By the way, here they are called baths, both those inside and those outside.

There are slides built inside, a Charcot shower and a Jacuzzi.

There are pools in which you need to wander alternately in hot and cold water: this is very useful for tone and blood vessels.

During your meals, don’t forget to taste the local Eger Oxblood wine and eat Hungarian goulash. Well, very tasty!

Where to stay in Egerszalok: Saliris Resort Hotel

A sanatorium is a sanatorium, but you need to spend the night somewhere. We have our eye on a nice little hotel called Saliris resort. Its full name is Saliris Resort Spa& Conference Hotel 4*. In total it includes 203 rooms, located at: Hungary 3394 Egerszalók, Forrás u. 6. This is also the address of the baths, by the way.

This is a wellness hotel, a spa hotel and a conference hotel: tour groups often come here, since they can relax and spend time usefully both at the resort and in the hotel itself.

The architectural style of the hotel is typically Hungarian with modern touches. The bar is decorated with Pakistani bricks, the reception area is decorated with ebony wood. Even the wallpaper here is handmade! The rooms look modern, the luxurious design will please even discerning and picky clients.

The hotel offers guests a steam bath, sauna, hot tub, massage room and beauty salon.

Among the 203 rooms, there are separate presidential suites and 3 rooms for people with disabilities disabilities. There are private, connecting and regular rooms. Each room is equipped with a terrace, regardless of its level. There is a minibar, safe, Internet, high-quality TV, landline telephone in the rooms. In other words, your stay at the hotel promises to be very pleasant.

That's where we're going, that's our plan. As soon as we settle in and visit the bathhouse, we will definitely shoot a video and show and tell you everything!

What else to see in Egerszalok

Well, perhaps all that remains is to go through the sights of the area. Not everyone can cool off in the pools.

Be sure to go to the local church, built in 1738 in the Baroque style, where the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary is located. They say it fulfills wishes.

There are unique “beehive” stones and tuff domes here - local flavor. The stones appeared due to volcanic activity. The hardened rhyolite tuffs have marks that look like crosses. People could live inside them, but there is an assumption that the “hives” served as tombs for burying the ashes of the commanders of Stephen the Saint.

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These three old fortresses, located in northern Hungary, near the border of Slovakia in the Zemplén Mountains, have in common not only geographical position, but also the time of construction. All three castles were built or first mentioned in the 13th century. The most easily accessible, interesting and preserved of them is Boldogko (it is also the most visited), while Fuser and Regets are practically ruins. However, restoration work is being carried out in the Fuser fortress, although very slowly, as I noticed. In any case, heading from the Hungarian Miskolc, where, by the way, there are wonderful thermal springs in caves, towards Slovakia we stopped at all three fortresses, fortunately they are located very close to each other. For the sake of clarity of the story, I’ll probably attach a small map of the location of the castles. And in the title picture is the Boldogko fortress, a powerful and well-preserved fortification.

Here is, directly, a map of the area with castles marked on it. Not exactly a triangle, of course, but they are located nearby, in the same region, although getting to these places without a car will probably be problematic.



At first I wanted to make three different posts about each castle separately, but then I decided to combine all three together for convenience. Moreover, there is not much information in general, but more photographs. As for the first, best preserved, Boldogko Castle, it was built in the 13th century, like many of its brothers in this part of Hungary, with the aim of protecting the Kingdom of Hungary from raids from the north and east (the Mongol-Tatars, formidable at that time, are assumed) . The exact date of construction is unknown, but Boldogko was first mentioned in 1282. Many times the castle passed from hand to hand by donation, it was owned by royalty, Hungarian nobility and aristocrats, rebuilding and equipping it according to their wishes. The name of the castle translates as “Lucky Stone”, as it was called after the Ottoman invasions of Hungary. The fortress is located high on a rock at the foot of the Zemplén Upland (it is also called Tokaj, since the town of Tokaj, famous for its wines, is nearby). Boldogko welcomes visitors from March 1 to October 31. There are several small exhibitions here: archaeological, military, historical and others. In the last decade, the castle has undergone a massive reconstruction (most likely with EU money), two towers were built, and an observation deck was also equipped at the very edge of the castle rock. In general, I noticed that similar places are now being actively reconstructed in Hungary. For example, in Eger there is a fairly famous castle and you can go there, but restoration and archaeological work is going on throughout its entire territory. Therefore, lovers of such structures should come in a year or two.

The next fortress is Regets, also known as the fortress of Ferenc II Rakoczi, a Hungarian prince and leader of the anti-Habsburg national liberation movement in the early 18th century. Rakoczi spent part of his childhood years in this castle. By the way, later his family moved to Mukachevo Castle on the territory of modern Ukraine. Regets is perhaps the most hard to reach place of all three, since it is located directly on one of the high hills of the Zemplén Upland. The castle was built on a rock volcanic origin 624 meters high. The history of the fortress is absolutely identical to the previous one. Regets was first mentioned in 1298; at the end of the 13th century, the Kingdom of Hungary was actively strengthening its northern borders; they were very afraid of the raids of the Mongol-Tatars in 1241, which, under the leadership of Batu, pretty much battered the Hungarian army. The Mongol invasion, by the way, then contributed to strengthening ties with Catholic Europe. Regets Castle was destroyed in 1686 during the Ottoman occupation and was never restored, with the exception of cosmetic restoration work in our time.

The Fuser fortress was first mentioned in 1264, but whether it was built before the Tatar invasion or after is not known for sure. The castle belonged to King Béla IV and his family, and then to the powerful Aba clan, which ruled the region independently of the king. During the Renaissance, the castle was expanded and completed, so it looks a little more modern than its counterparts. Although I liked the second castle the most, Regetz, which is located in a very picturesque location. And here, in Fuser, at some point in the 16th century the Hungarian crown was hidden (usually it was kept in Visegrád). This happened after the Battle of Mohács, where the Ottomans defeated the Hungarian army. There is also a version that Elizabeth Bathory, notorious for the massacres of young girls, was hiding here. Although this fact is unverified, since most of the documents about the Bathory family were destroyed by order of the authorities. The castle was destroyed by Austrian troops during the already mentioned anti-Habsburg uprisings.

Other castles and fortresses.