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 castle's name appears in 1247 as Dédeskő, when part of it was sold with help from the Miskóc kindred. The Palóczy family held the castle until 1526, when Antal Palóczy died at Mohács. A memorial plaque placed in 1967 on a surviving bastion marks the 400th anniversary of the castle's destruction.

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.

During the Ottoman siege of 1567, the defenders, led by Bárius István after Kávásy László's death, piled the remaining gunpowder under the tower and escaped through a hidden tunnel. The powder ignited as the Turks broke in, killing hundreds of Ottoman soldiers. Hasszán pasa then had the surviving castle demolished.