Füzér Castle: Guardian of History in the Zemplén Mountains
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Rising on a volcanic cone in the northern part of the Zemplén Mountains, Füzér Castle is one of the most impressive medieval castles in Hungary. Situated in a picturesque environment, the fortress captivates visitors not only with its historical significance but also with its architectural beauty and legends.
The history of Füzér Castle dates back to the 13th century when King Béla IV ordered the strengthening of the country after the Mongol invasion. The first written mention of the castle comes from 1270, when King Stephen V donated the castle to the Perényi family. The Perényi family carried out significant expansions to the castle in the 14th century, making it one of the most important fortresses in the region.
In the 16th century, the castle was a center of the battles against the Turks. Füzér Castle changed hands several times but eventually fell into Turkish hands in 1567. Under Turkish rule, the castle gradually lost its importance and was already in ruins by the end of the 17th century.
During the Rákóczi War of Independence, the castle played an important role again. The Kuruc forces captured the castle in 1703, but the imperial troops recaptured it in 1711. After the suppression of the war of independence, the castle was abandoned again, and its condition further deteriorated.
The rebirth of Füzér Castle began in the 20th century. In the 1950s, archaeological excavations and restoration work began on the castle. During the reconstruction, they tried to restore the original form of the castle, and a museum was established in the building.
Today, Füzér Castle is one of the most visited monuments in the country. During a walk in the castle, visitors can learn about the history of the castle, the way of life in the past, and admire the masterpieces of medieval architecture.
Füzér Castle is a typical medieval hilltop castle, built by taking advantage of the natural features. The castle consists of three parts: the lower castle, the upper castle, and the citadel. The lower castle houses the gate, the cistern, and the economic buildings. The upper castle contains the palace, the chapel, and the residential towers. The citadel houses the most important defensive structures of the castle, the bastions, and the roundels.
The architectural features of the castle include thick walls, loopholes, bastions, and roundels. There is also a well in the castle, which provided water supply for the castle in the Middle Ages.
Numerous legends are associated with Füzér Castle. One of the most famous legends tells of a beautiful princess who once lived in the castle and was kidnapped by an evil dragon. The princess was rescued by a brave knight who defeated the dragon and married the princess.
Another legend says that there is a secret tunnel in the castle that leads to the nearby village. The tunnel was used by the castle defenders to escape if the castle was under siege.
Füzér Castle is open to visitors all year round. The castle regularly hosts cultural programs, such as medieval knight tournaments, concerts, and theater performances. The exhibitions in the museum within the castle showcase the history of the castle and the way of life in the past.
A visit to Füzér Castle offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. The historical significance, architectural beauty, and legends of the castle captivate visitors.