Somoska Castle, Somoskő, Slovakia

Šomoška Castle is unique among the Slovak castles as it is built of unconventional hexagonal basalt pillars. It was probably built in the later half of the 13th century after the Tartar invasion. After suppression of the Rákoczis rebellion, the Emperor had pulled down several castles, but Šomoška was spared. However, it gradually decayed and the last tower burnt in 1826 when a lighting struck it. In 1972 extensive conservation and partial reconstruction saved the castle before its total destruction.

References:

Slovakia Travel

User Reviews

Andrej Orogvani (6 years ago)
Nice forest walk and stunning views from the top of the castle

Peregrino Perdido (7 years ago)
Absolutely perfect. Not just the castle but also the surrounding nature and the path to the castle. I love this place. Word of advice - come in autumn...

김보경 (7 years ago)
It is really beautiful and calm :) enjoyed watching the swallows♥️and the view to the trees changing their colours is amazing.

Timotej Torok (7 years ago)
Very nice historic place. Apart for other reasons it is also known for natural "rockfall".

Rastic Idaho (7 years ago)
Average view, just the surrounding woods and one hungarian village. The castle itself is just a bit of a courtyard and an empty tower. There are basalt formations in the area, which are absolutely marvelous, so be sure to check your navigation.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Somoska Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus