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Fortress

Castle of Nógrád

Fortress · Sajó-Hernád-medence · 270 m · open today
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  • The castle of Nógrád from a bird's eye view.
    The castle of Nógrád from a bird's eye view.
    Photo: Civertan Stúdió / legifoto.com
Standing atop a 286 m high andesite hill, the castle with its D-shaped towers gave name to Nógrád County. Its construction started in the 11th century, while the inner castle and the keep were erected in the second half of the 15th century. It was destroyed by a lightning strike in the 17th century. Its renovation started in 1997. Although currently it is in a state of disrepair, the National Castle Program allowed restoration works to continue. Those travelling to the eastern part of the Börzsöny should visit it for its unique atmosphere.

The jewel of the village is easy to spot, since it stands high in the middle of Nógrád village. The Blue L (KL) markers show the way from the village center.

The walls stood by 1108, the construction was on its way and the castle was inhabited until 1685. Then a summer lightning strike ignited the gunpowder stored in the inner bailey. This little piece of misfortune seemed to doom the castle. At first the locals started to take what remained, later strangers assisted in making useful building materials disappear.

If we look into the history of the castle, great figures of Hungarian history come to life, such as Ladislas the Cuman, Miklós Báthori, István Bocskai or Gábor Bethlen. Of the aforementioned people, probably the bishop of Vác, Miklós Báthori added the most to the castle. He was held in high regard as one of the greatest humanists of his time. He finished his studies in Italy, which might have had an effect on the constructions tied to his name. Italian artisans worked on the construction of his residence in Vác, while the work in Nógrád was based on the plans of the also Italian Giacomo Traguinus. Báthori enriched the castle with marvels of his age. All the parts of the castle surviving to this day were built during his time, for example, the three-story tower, of which remains greet the visitors from afar. The renaissance castle wing was also finished during his time.

Opening hours

open today
Open all year round.

Price:

Free of charge.
Profile picture of Brigitta Hidvégi
Author
Brigitta Hidvégi
Update: August 25, 2022

Public transport

  • Get off at Nógrád train stop (train service between Vác and Balassagyarmat/Diósjenő).
  • Get off buses running between Vác and Diósjenő at bus stop “Nógrád, vasútállomás”, or “Nógrád, eszpresszó” (the path is shorter from here).

Getting there

  • Head west from the train station and take the first right. Follow the Blue L (KL) markers (1 km).
  • From “Nógrád, eszpresszó” turn onto Kodály Zoltán Street, and then take the first right onto Hunyadi Street. You will soon see the Blue L (KL) markers leading to the castle. (500 m)

Parking

  • Follow Road 2 north of Vác. Follow the sign to the village. You will arrive at the village along Váci Street - Felszabadulás Street. Turn onto Kodály Zoltán Street, then at the next crossroad onto Hunyadi Street.
  • You can park in the street below the castle.

Coordinates

DD
47.906432, 19.045404
DMS
47°54'23.2"N 19°02'43.5"E
UTM
34T 353935 5307749
w3w 
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Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

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Castle of Nógrád

Hunyadi János út
2642 Nógrád

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