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 Mark1792

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.