Esztergom Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Esztergom, Hungary
Esztergom Castle is a medieval castle ruin set on a hillside overlooking the Danube River at the Hungary-Slovakia border. The site preserves defensive walls, stone foundations, and restored sections of the former royal palace along with remaining fortification structures.
The fortress served as the home of Hungarian kings from the 10th to the 13th century before King Béla IV moved the royal seat to Buda. During the Mongol invasion of 1241, it became one of the few Hungarian fortresses to withstand the attacks of the Golden Horde.
The castle complex shows how different cultures left their mark here over many centuries. Visitors can see Celtic remains, Roman fortifications, and medieval Hungarian architecture all in one location.
The site is open to visitors daily with access to restored sections of the former palace and defensive walls. Plan your visit outside the hottest summer months since the ruins offer little shade and climbing the hillside can be tiring.
Beneath the ruins lie archaeological layers that stack Celtic settlements, Roman fortifications, and later medieval structures on top of each other. This layering makes the site a window into the long history of settlement in the region.
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