Castle of Csókakő

Castle of Csókakő is a fortress ruin in the Vértes Mountains perched on a limestone cliff at around 500 meters elevation. The restored white towers and walls are visible from great distances and shape the landscape.

The fortress was built after the 1241 Tatar invasion and monitored the military route to Székesfehérvár. Ottoman forces captured it during the 16th century.

The castle displays architectural features from different periods, including a Gothic gate tower from King Sigismund's era and traces of a Turkish mosque. These layers reveal how different peoples left their mark on the structure.

The fortress is open daily from April to October with reduced hours from November to March. Wear sturdy footwear as the paths on the hillside are uneven.

Unlike other fortifications in the Vértes Mountains, this castle sits among vineyards rather than forests. The hilltop location allowed for shorter defensive walls since the natural slope provided extra protection.