Royal palace of Visegrád

The Royal Palace of Visegrád sits on a hilltop overlooking the Danube and blends Gothic design with Italian Renaissance features. The ruins display multiple levels with carved stonework, archways, and foundations that reveal a sprawling residence with numerous chambers.

King Charles I founded this residence in 1325 to serve as a royal seat, and King Matthias Corvinus renovated it between 1477 and 1484 with Renaissance designs. These two periods shaped what visitors see in the ruins today.

This residence served as a seat of royal authority and hosted important ceremonies, with its architectural details and stone carvings still reflecting that elevated purpose. The layout of the ruins suggests how the king and his court once moved through these spaces in daily life.

The hilltop is easy to reach on foot, and once there, visitors enjoy clear views across the Danube and surrounding countryside. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the path climbs uphill and the ruins span different levels.

This palace appears on Hungary's 1000 Forint banknote, marking it as one of the nation's most important monuments. This honor reflects how deeply the site connects to Hungarian national identity.