Castle of Dédes, Medieval castle ruins in Dédestapolcsány, Hungary
The Castle of Dédes is a medieval ruin perched on a hill near Dédestapolcsány, in northern Hungary. What remains today includes parts of a square tower, sections of stone walls, and the traces of a brick water cistern.
The castle was built in the 13th century as part of a wide fortification effort that followed the Mongol invasion of Hungary. It served as a defensive post for several centuries before being destroyed during an Ottoman assault in 1567.
The hill where the castle stands was already used by Bronze Age communities long before any stone wall was raised here. Visitors who look closely at the remaining masonry can notice how different building phases were layered on top of each other over the centuries.
The path to the ruins crosses uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is a good idea before setting out. Some parts of the remaining walls are supported by timber structures and barriers, so it is worth paying attention to where you walk.
When Ottoman troops stormed the tower in 1567, the defenders set off explosives inside and escaped through an underground tunnel. The blast killed an estimated 400 attacking soldiers, making it one of the more dramatic last stands recorded in the region.
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