Szigliget Castle

The ruins of Szigliget Castle stand atop a 230-metre-high volcanic hill in the southwestern part of the Tapolca Basin, a hill that once formed an island of Lake Balaton. 

With a history of more than 760 years, the castle has been made accessible to visitors through ongoing reconstruction works and is often referred to as the “castle of Balaton,” as it is the only attraction of its kind along the shoreline. The panoramic view from the castle is exceptional, complemented by restored walls and spaces, as well as features such as a Baroque kitchen, a blacksmith’s workshop, and a castle chapel. At the foot of the hill, visitors can also explore a craft courtyard, a weapons exhibition, and a castle gallery. The site is open year-round and regularly hosts events throughout the year. The history of the castle dates back to the period following the Mongol invasion, when Béla IV of Hungary granted the island of Szigliget to the Pannonhalma Archabbey for the construction of a stone fortress, which was completed between 1260 and 1262. Impressed by the result, the king soon reclaimed it and entrusted it as a royal castle to the Móriczhidai family. By the early 14th century, a settlement had begun to develop at the foot of the hill, later known as Szigliget. Over the centuries, the castle passed through several noble families, including the Újlaki and the Lengyel families, and later came into the possession of Bálint Török. During the Ottoman period, it played a defensive role, and in 1571, despite illness, its captain successfully repelled Turkish attacks. However, by the end of the Ottoman era, the castle lost its military significance and gradually fell into disrepair. A lightning strike in the late 17th century caused major destruction, and the remaining structures were later ordered to be demolished by Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor. During the War of Independence led by Francis II Rákóczi, the castle was no longer in use and continued to deteriorate, with its stones reused by local inhabitants. 

Preservation efforts began in the 20th century, and reconstruction works, which started in 1991, continue to this day, shaping the castle into its present form.