Jurisics Burg

The largest monumental complex in Kőszeg/Güns is Jurisics Castle.

Its late Gothic and early Renaissance corridor is one of the finest examples of Hungarian castle architecture. The former manor castle is still located in the north-western corner of the town center, which is surrounded by a city wall and moat. In the castle courtyard, the relics of the former pile castle have been uncovered. After the departure of the Tartars, construction of the lower castle began next to the settlement in the valley. In the Middle Ages, the lower castle took over the role of the difficult-to-reach high castle (also known as the Althaus), which was regarded as the center of land ownership. The castle consists of two parts: the outer castle and the inner castle. The guards and servants were once housed in the buildings on either side of the outer bailey.

At the end of the 13th century, the castle was owned by the Héder family. In 1289, the castle was conquered by Duke Albrecht. In 1291, Andreas III had the old castle destroyed in accordance with the terms of the Peace of Hainburg. After several battles, Charles Robert conquered the old castle on the hill from the lords of Güns in 1327 and promoted the development of the town with important privileges after his victory in 1328. To prevent Austrian invasions, the town walls, protected by strong towers, were gradually extended. The water from the nearby Gyöngyös/Güns stream was channelled into the moats around the city walls. In 1392 the castle belonged to the Garai family, in 1445 to the Habsburgs, from whom Matthias Corvinus recaptured it in 1482. The castle was retaken by the Habsburgs in 1492. It suffered its most famous siege at the hands of the huge Turkish army of Sultan Süleyman, who marched towards Vienna in 1532.

A statue of Miklós Jurisics, the castle captain at the time of the siege, stands in the courtyard. To commemorate the withdrawal of the enemy, the bell in Kőszeg/Güns is rung every day at 11 am. The inner castle can be reached via a two-arched brick bridge over the moat. Behind the gate, visitors are greeted by a trapezoidal inner courtyard. Exhibitions are regularly held in the Renaissance corridor and cultural events are held in the Knights' Hall. The castle exhibitions are located in the southern and eastern wings: The Centuries of Kőszeg/Güns Castle, The Golden Parlor, The Crown Parlor, The Lord of the Manor's Table, The Arsenal. To the right of the entrance to the inner courtyard is the medicinal and aromatic plant garden and the nature store.

Castle Museum

Address: Kőszeg, Rajnis u. 9.
Phone: 94/360-113
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10-17 h