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

Address

Vároldal utca 27, Somoskő, Slovakia

See all sites in Somoskő

Details

Founded: 1291
Category: Castles and fortifications in Slovakia

More Information

www.slovakheritage.org
slovakia.travel

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.