Szigetvár Fortress

Szigetvár, Hungary

Written references to the Szigetvár castle date back to 1449, but it is thought that the central and oldest part of the castle would have been erected in the 14th and 15th centuries, by Janos, son of Anthimus, while in public office in Slavonia.

The castle is a national symbol of the tragic resistance against invading Turkish armies, whose forces vastly outnumbered those of the Hungarians. In 1566, when defending the castle was no longer a viable option, the castle's defenders, under the command of their captain, the Croatian Miklós Zrínyi, stepped out of the castle to face their destiny in what was to be a heroic battle against the Turks. This act of heroism has been commemorated on many occasions in Croatian and Hungarian literature, as well as in many paintings and sculptures.

References:

Hungary Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport

Address

Alapi Gáspár utca 2, Szigetvár, Hungary

See all sites in Szigetvár

Details

Founded: 14th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Hungary

More Information

en.www.mcu.es
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Pickard Trepess (5 years ago)
Good place to visit and learn about the local history. The castle played a key role in slowing the Turkish invasion. Great museum

Jure Kristan (5 years ago)
Super castle.

Steven (5 years ago)
Recently went here as a family. Great activities for kids and lots of history to learn for adults. Clean and well maintained. Public restroom available and clean. Not much to see, but plenty of history to learn. The property surrounding the castle is beautiful with well paved paths. Stroller friendly. Lots of benches along the way with luscious greenery.

Direncan Uğurlu (5 years ago)
Too expensive to enter. Student ticket could be cheaper and for all ages.

Igor Naglić (6 years ago)
Old fortress & museum. Tour was very good, guide knowledgeable. For all you history buffs, a place to visit.

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 w_lemay

Historic Site of the week

Temple of Edfu

The Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved ancient shrines in Egypt. It was built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC.

Edfu was one of several temples built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, including the Dendera Temple complex, Esna, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae. Its size reflects the relative prosperity of the time. The present temple initially consisted of a pillared hall, two transverse halls, and a barque sanctuary surrounded by chapels. The building was started during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes and completed in 57 BC under Ptolemy XII Auletes. It was built on the site of an earlier, smaller temple also dedicated to Horus, although the previous structure was oriented east–west rather than north–south as in the present site.