Benevár

Benevár is a medieval castle ruin situated at 470 meters elevation in the Mátra Mountains north of Mátrafüred, nestled between the Somor and Csatorna streams. The stone remains show the foundation walls and fragments of the fortress that once commanded the surrounding valleys.

Archaeological evidence suggests the fortress was built in the late 12th century during the reign of King Béla III. Coins and ceramic remains from the 13th and 14th centuries indicate the site remained inhabited and in use across multiple generations.

The name Benevár reflects the medieval presence that shaped this mountain area. Walking through the ruins today, visitors can sense how this hilltop served as a focal point for the communities below.

To reach the ruins, follow the blue-marked hiking trail starting from Mátrafüred and ascending through the mountain paths. The route requires reasonable fitness as the climb is steep, but the trail is well-marked throughout.

Among the ruins, archaeologists discovered pottery pieces and a glass fragment decorated with Arabic inscriptions, suggesting trade connections with the Orient. These unusual findings reveal that this remote mountain location was connected to distant regions.